Explainer | What you should know about Hong Kong’s country parks ... and are they under threat in city’s thirst for land?
- From sub-zero conditions on Tai Mo Shan to unique rock formations at the Geopark and a monkey kingdom in Kam Shan, some 40 per cent of city’s land area is set aside for Mother Nature
Hong Kong may be notorious for being one of the world’s most overpopulated cities, but some 40 per cent of its total land area of 1,108 sq km is actually designated as country parks. This figure, combined with natural landscapes, means a surprising 75 per cent of land is protected countryside in a city known more for its jungle of steel, glass and concrete, than actual greenery.
With its unique proximity of the built environment to nature, Hong Kong’s countryside has become a cherished breath of fresh air for the city’s cramped residents. In 2017, some 13 million visitors were recorded across country parks, which are maintained by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
What’s the origin of Hong Kong’s country parks?
In 1976, the government enacted the Country Parks Ordinance for a legal framework to conserve, maintain and provide open natural spaces for public enjoyment.
The Country and Marine Parks Board designated 24 country parks, four marine parks, and 22 special areas in the region, totalling more than 440 sq km of land – all dedicated to conservation, leisure, and education.
Most of these classifications occurred in the 1970s. In recent years, the government has mulled designating Robin’s Nest, or Hung Fa Leng, as the 25th country park.
