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Hong Kong officials are thinking about setting up a booking system and charging fees for popular camping spots. This is part of their response to public concerns about crowded beaches and litter during the Chinese New Year holiday.
The Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) shared its plan on Facebook after campers and hikers asked for better public education and stricter law enforcement. They also requested limits on the number of visitors at popular spots.
At Ham Tin Wan in Sai Kung, a beach that many campers and tourists visit, Greenpeace said that more than 900 tents were set up over two nights. On one night, 42 per cent of the 166 tents at another beach, Sai Wan, were not in designated areas.
The AFCD is looking at ways to manage visitors to popular places and protect the environment. They sent staff to patrol the area and enforce the rules. They are also thinking about making a reservation system and charging fees.
A visit by the South China Morning Post to Ham Tin Wan found empty plastic bottles, tissue paper and chocolate wrappers littered on the sand. In a public toilet, food scraps clogged the sink and covered the floor, despite signs warning against discarding food.
AFCD officers were seen reminding campers to take their litter home.
