Crowds at campsites ‘not out of control’: Hong Kong conservation authorities

Hong Kong conservation authorities have publicly defended their management of holiday crowds at popular country parks, revealing enforcement data while facing calls for systemic reforms. During a radio interview, AFCD Assistant Director Esther To Man-wai stated that visitor flows to Sai Kung's country parks during the Lunar New Year holiday were 'within expectations,' with officers conducting stepped-up patrols including at night. The department recorded 32 enforcement actions across various locations, though specific violations weren't detailed. To emphasized that campsites 'quickly returned to their original condition' after use and officials observed 'no serious environmental damage or any out-of-control situation.'

The defense comes amid contrasting assessments from local representatives. Sai Kung District Councillor Andrew Lam argued that camper numbers at some sites 'far exceeded recommended capacity levels,' creating strains on facilities and the environment. This discrepancy highlights the tension between tourism promotion and conservation priorities in Hong Kong's limited green spaces. The councillor specifically proposed implementing reservation systems as a crowd control measure—a approach used in other jurisdictions to manage protected area visitation.

This incident reflects broader challenges facing urban conservation worldwide: balancing public access with environmental protection during peak visitation periods. The AFCD's emphasis on education alongside enforcement, and their reporting of specific enforcement numbers (32 cases), represents an attempt at transparent governance. However, the call for reservation systems suggests current measures may be insufficient for future demand, pointing toward potential policy evolution as Hong Kong manages its natural heritage amid growing recreational use.