One key concern is that the proposed holiday space would only attract “check-box” travellers – visitors focused on taking pictures of attractions rather than experiencing the local culture and environment. An influx of such tourists who might lack awareness about environmental responsibility could damage South Lantau’s natural habitats.
As an ethical and sustainable answer to overdevelopment, eco-resorts can be a solution to address these concerns for South Lantau. In places like Bali, eco-resorts aim to put sustainability at the centre of every traveller’s stay. They set out and gradually meet objectives anchored in sustainability.
In Desa Hay, all of the artwork is created by local artisans with a small placard crediting the artist, while the resort exclusively hires Indonesian staff and gives back to the community through initiatives including sponsoring school tuition for local orphans.
For example, the Eden Project in Cornwall, England adopted a bottom-up approach. The local council provided £25,000 (US$31,910) of seed funding. Funds were also secured from the UK Millennium Commission, which weighed in with £37.5 million.
There is a potential conundrum that could arise as development proceeds. As more crowds visit South Lantau, there will be more demand for transport services, which causes greater environmental impact while also enabling more visitors.
However, development does not necessarily entail massive construction projects. The current plan outlines a myriad of facilities, including the Lower Cheung Sha Visitor Centre and the water sports and recreation centre at Upper Cheung Sha Beach, as well as educational areas in Shui Hau and Pui O. These facilities are geographically dispersed, but at the same time also lack a compelling overarching storyline.
To make this a uniquely Hong Kong project, a planning and design competition can be held to solicit ideas from professionals in the architectural, surveying and landscaping sectors.
The library was made from local materials, mostly wooden sticks that villagers use all year round to fuel their stoves. The building volume was designed, such that the library blends perfectly into the landscape with minimal visual impact. The project was initiated through a bottom-up approach, funded by a charitable trust and designed by a local architect.
Ryan Ip is vice-president and co-head of research at Our Hong Kong Foundation
Jason Leung is head of land and housing research at Our Hong Kong Foundation
Calvin Au is a researcher at Our Hong Kong Foundation