Most people fear ecotourism hit for Tung Chung

A majority of the people in Hong Kong agree that Tung Chung has the potential for ecotourism development but worry such development will have a negative impact, a green group has found.

Around two thirds of Hongkongers thought that developing ecotourism in Tung Chung would bring more harm than good to its ecology, Green Power said.

The group polled 812 people, with 138 of them being Tung Chung residents, from January 3 to March 31.

Over 70 percent thought promoting ecotourism while extending the Tung Chung New Town area would destroy the tranquil environment along the Tung Chung River and that activities such as clam digging would exacerbate the damage.

Over 90 percent thought that the authority should conserve the river and its estuary by restoring damaged areas, setting up conservation areas and restricting the number of tourists.

"Past experience has shown that the development of green tourism would attract too many visitors, which in the end, damages the ecology of the attractions," said Henry Lui Tak-hang, Green Power's senior conservation manager.

He welcomed the government's decision to develop ecotourism in Tung Chung, but said such development must conserve the river and enhance public awareness of environmental conservation.

"Tung Chung River is one of Hong Kong's few natural rivers, with good water quality and rich natural resources. It would be a popular attraction if it properly conserved," he said.

More than 80 percent agreed that Tung Chung has the potential to become a popular green tourism spot.