Planning for nature-based recreational activities in Hong Kong

Abstract

Demand for outdoor recreation has been increasing, probably due to changing lifestyle, increasing accessibility and most importantly, the need to escape from the busy city life. The rising environmental awareness couples with deteriorating environmental quality in city have encouraged people to visit the countryside to relax physically and mentally, bringing about nature-based recreation which refers to activities carried in the natural environment for self-enjoyment and pleasure. Through engaging in nature-based recreational activities, conservation of natural resources and recreation needs of human can be achieved, as well as arousing environmental awareness. Hence, nature-based recreation is regarded as a sustainable way to serve the nature and mankind. Yet, recreational activities in nature can impose pressure on nature and thus planning is essential for nature-based recreation, so as to comply with the obligation of nature conservation and optimize recreation opportunities for people.

This study aimed to investigate and assess the effectiveness of planning of naturebased recreational activities in Hong Kong, hence provide suggestions to improve the provisions and enhance the experiences of nature-based recreational activities. The overall planning of nature-based recreation in Hong Kong was investigated and Shing Mun Reservoir, Nam Sang Wai and Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve were chosen as studied sites for evaluation. Questionnaires and interviews had been conducted to gather opinions of visitors, green group and planner.

In general, it is found that the country park system and the Management Agreement Scheme formed the skeleton of planning of nature-based recreational activities. Yet, the current planning provisions were insufficient to cover all existing and potential venues. Problems were identified in the insufficient protection to natural resources and lack of adaptability and evaluation of the country park system, lack of understanding and appreciation of the nature by the public, insufficient supports to facilitate nongovernment planning and management to nature-based recreational activities, and lack of determination in conserving the nature in macro planning. It is recommended to enhance the current country park system, including natural resources protection, nature education, regulation assessment and evaluation, and improve adaptability; enhance Management Agreement Scheme to minimize the management difficulties; and extend the coverage of Hong Kong Planning Standard and Guidelines to include nature-based recreation and creating ancillary guidelines for planning to remind key issues. Further, strong determination in nature conservation and sustainability of the government is important to guide and facilitate effective planning for nature-based recreational activities.