Lantau eco-corridor 'will be an attraction'

Stacy Shi

The development of the South Lantau eco-recreational corridor will not bury the old traditions of those places, but rather help them to flourish while also bringing more experiences and attractions for citizens and tourists, Secretary for DevelopmentBernadette Linn Hon-ho said.

The government has also proposed sustainable leisure and recreation developments in Cheung Sha and Shek Pik, as well as ecologically and educationally-focused facilities in Shui Hau and Pui O.

"The development will not involve large-scale construction works, but rather optimize the use of land," Linn said.

She believes that natural resources and traditional culture can be preserved and enhanced through public-private partnerships, citing Tai O as an example where the unique "Pang Uk" water-side construction has been preserved, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the century-old dragon boat parade.

Linn added the government has also been considering developing Lau Fau Shan and the coastal areas around Pak Nai in the Northern Metropolis, as well as the Ex-Lamma Quarry.

Jacky Wu Kwok-yuen, the head of the Sustainable Lantau Office, said the government will develop the eco-recreational corridor with reference to national parks both within and outside of Hong Kong. For instance, the government plans to build a tree-top education walkway on the western side of Pui O Bay, similar to the Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia, designed to avoid the most ecologically valuable areas and serve as an outdoor classroom to introduce the local habitats and species.

The Cheung Sha area will be developed into a recreational hub, with plans for additional accommodation and catering facilities, akin to the Beijing Great Wall National Park.