No major damage found at Sai Kung campsites during LNY, says AFCD

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said it did not observe any serious environmental damage at Sai Kung campsites during the Lunar New Year holiday, despite a surge in visitors that some said exceeded the sites’ carrying capacity.

Large numbers of tourists flocked to Sai Kung for camping over the festive period, prompting concerns that popular sites such as Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan were overcrowded.

Speaking on a radio program Tuesday morning, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Esther To Man-wai said the campsites at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan are large facilities capable of accommodating more than 50 tents.

She acknowledged that the heavy foot traffic may have affected the use of facilities and supporting amenities, but said the sites themselves are spacious.

In response to the increased demand, To said the government will study the carrying capacity of campsites and consider introducing a reservation and charging system. She added that authorities plan to pilot the arrangement at busier campsites and will make reference to overseas practices, including online booking systems.

To said the department stepped up patrols and public education efforts during the holiday period. She noted that campers generally restored the sites to their original condition shortly after use and that no serious acts of environmental destruction were observed. Trash bins were also not found to be overflowing.

As of yesterday, the department had carried out 32 enforcement actions in the Sai Kung area, including cases involving littering and illegal fire lighting.

The official said authorities must strike a balance between enforcement and public education. She added that visitors have shown a willingness to cooperate and that the situation is gradually improving.