Greenpeace catches Hong Kong geopark ‘golden week’ visitors damaging marine life
Greenpeace has reported significant environmental damage caused by tourists in Hong Kong's Unesco-listed geopark during the 'golden week' holiday. The group argues that current government measures are insufficient to address the root causes of overtourism.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between tourism-driven economic growth and the preservation of fragile natural ecosystems in densely populated regions.
These included catching live sea cucumbers, using metal tools to dig out sea snails and clams, and picking up coral skeletons.
Greenpeace recorded more than 100 incidents of visitors collecting marine life and coral remains at Hap Mun Bay in a single day. (Photo credit: Greenpeace)
About 100 incidents of visitors catching sea cucumbers and digging up sea snails and clams were recorded at a popular spot in Hong Kong’s Unesco-listed geopark on a single day of the National Day “golden week”, a green group has found, following similar incidents last year.
The Po Pin Chau section of the High Island Geo Trail in Sai Kung was also strewn with rubbish on a separate day, Greenpeace said on Tuesday (Oct 6).
At nearby Long Ke Beach, the group recorded nearly 90 instances of environmentally damaging behaviour, including climbing trees, littering and disturbing wildlife.
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