Officials change tack in country park plans to avoid further disputes

The latest batch of enclaves set to be incorporated into the city's country parks reveal an apparent change of strategy by conservation officials - this time they have focused only on sites where there is no private land ownership to avoid further disputes with rural leaders, sources say.

The latest plan affects three enclaves, all entirely government-owned and with good recreational and ecological potential. They are Nam Shan, a six-hectare enclave in south Lantau, plus five-hectare Fan Kei Tok and two-hectare Sai Lau Kong in Plover Cove.

They are the second batch of enclaves to be designated as country parks. The first batch, comprising Tai Long Sai Wan, Yuen Tun and Kam Shan, was endorsed by lawmakers late last year.

Opposition to the plans for Nam Shan, Fan Kei Tok and Sai Lau Kong is expected to be minimal, unlike that for Tai Long Sai Wan, where the plan is facing a legal challenge from villagers, who have also blocked the only access leading to their village.

"Amid the uncertainties with the [Tai Long Sai Wan] designation, officials believe it will be good to show the Heung Yee Kuk and rural leaders what they can gain after the incorporation," a source said. The kuk represents the interests of indigenous villagers in the New Territories.

It is understood that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is considering a number of proposals to improve the Sai Wan area and promote eco-tourism, including providing bed-and-breakfast facilities.