Often synonymous with towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong surprisingly consists of 75% countryside in its 1,108 sq km land, as highlighted by the city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. This verdant expanse, especially during hiking season, brings life to the city’s 24 country parks frequented by hikers, picnickers, and digital enthusiasts for Instagram-worthy shots.
Apart from these well-trodden paths, Hong Kong houses what locals affectionately term as “backyard trails.” These pathways, typically within a short 15-minute stride from densely populated regions, function as communal gardens. Elderly citizens often utilize these areas for relaxed strolls, tai chi exercises, or simply as social gathering points.
Yet, despite their value to local communities, these trails remain neglected by governmental bodies and are increasingly eyed for urban development. Kwong Sum-yin, from the non-profit “Parks and Trails,” notes the lack of clear custodial guidelines for these trails. On this, Carine Lai Man-yin, from the Wyng Foundation, adds that while these lands are designated for “conservation” or “passive recreation,” they mostly serve as buffer zones between urban locales and country parks until potential development prospects arise.
To shed light on this oversight, a collaboration between Parks and Trails and the Wyng Foundation spearheaded the “Backyard Trails Pilot Project.” This initiative delved into the recreational significance of various trails spanning regions like Tseung Kwan, Choi Hung, Ngau Tau Kok, Fanling, Shek Kip Mei, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Causeway Bay, Shau Kei Wan, and Kennedy Town. One revelation was the ad-hoc infrastructure provisions, such as benches and shades, often erected by the local populace or the Home Affairs Department. Yet, Lai underscores the department’s lack of expertise in maintaining these spaces in an environmentally-conscious manner.
Historically, Hong Kong’s green belts were conceptualized in the 1950s and 60s. Over time, however, these lands were repurposed for infrastructure and village developments. Lai stresses that while these lands are strategically convenient for development due to their proximity to urban regions, the backyard trails intersecting these zones have fostered community bonding. However, governmental negligence has given rise to safety and environmental concerns, including damages to heritage structures, littering, and unregulated constructions.
Lai advocates for a balanced, environmentally-sustainable approach to these trails, emphasizing their importance to the community’s health and well-being. Both she and Kwong envision a collaborative future where the government partners with expert NGOs to address these concerns.
Despite their comprehensive findings and efforts, responses from the government remain pending. The question then lingers: will these vital trails be preserved for future generations, or will they be submerged under the relentless march of urban development?
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