Overcrowding at Sai Kung’s Sharp Island sparks environmental concerns

Greenpeace has raised alarms about environmental damage at Sai Kung’s Sharp Island, where a surge of over 4,000 visitors on October 1 highlighted the risks of overtourism to Hong Kong’s geopark, urging authorities to implement robust ecological policies to protect the area.

During a survey conducted on October 1, Greenpeace observed significant strain on Sharp Island’s delicate ecosystem due to heavy visitor traffic. 

The organization documented instances of snorkelers trampling coral reefs and others collecting marine life, such as starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, conches, and clams, along the shore.

Additionally, some visitors were seen engaging in illegal activities, such as lighting fires for cooking, which further threatens the island’s environment. 

The influx, estimated to exceed 4,000 people in a single day, underscores the growing pressure on Sai Kung’s ecologically sensitive areas.

Greenpeace has called on the government to prioritize a comprehensive ecotourism policy before advancing initiatives like the proposed “Four Peaks” tourism project. 

The group emphasized the need to assess the carrying capacity of Sai Kung’s islands and implement measures tailored to their ecological sensitivity to prevent irreversible harm to the geopark.

Without such safeguards, the organization warns that unchecked tourism could lead to long-term environmental degradation in this cherished natural area.