AFCD Deploys Extra Staff to Country Parks Ahead of Golden Week
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced Wednesday that additional personnel will be deployed across multiple country parks during the upcoming National Day Golden Week holiday, with enhanced patrols and crowd management measures at popular visitor hotspots including High Island Reservoir East Dam, Sai Kung beaches, Sharp Island, and Tai Lior. The department will deploy drones with broadcasting capabilities to monitor sensitive areas and remind visitors to stay within designated zones, while continuing its online reservation system for the Po Pin Chau viewing platform where all slots from October 1 to 5 have already been filled.
Key Points
- AFCD expects a significant surge in visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Sharp Island, and Tai Lior during the Golden Week holiday
- At High Island Reservoir East Dam, the department will deploy drones equipped with broadcast functions to monitor the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and warn visitors against crossing railings
- The online real-name reservation system for the Po Pin Chau section of the High Island Reservoir Geo Trail continues, with all slots from October 1 to 5 fully booked, while limited spots remain for other dates
- For campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan, AFCD will conduct round-the-clock patrols and use closed-circuit television to monitor conditions
- Food residue filter basins will be installed outside Ham Tin public toilets, and small stove frames will be provided on trial basis to maintain campsite cleanliness
- The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has added smart eco-toilets near Ham Tin public toilets with extra cubicles and washing facilities, plus daily attendants for enhanced cleaning
- At Sharp Island and Tai Lior, AFCD will conduct joint patrols with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Marine Department, and Police to prevent ecological damage
- Immediate enforcement action will be taken against activities harming marine life, feeding or collecting sea creatures, or landing at coral distribution points
Why It Matters
The deployment of additional AFCD personnel and enforcement measures during Golden Week addresses growing concerns about environmental degradation at popular country parks, particularly at ecologically sensitive sites like Po Pin Chau and coral areas around Sharp Island. As mainland tourist numbers surge during the holiday period, these measures aim to balance visitor access with conservation requirements while maintaining public cleanliness standards at remote campsites .
The deployment of additional AFCD personnel and enforcement measures during Golden Week addresses growing concerns about environmental degradation at popular country parks, particularly at ecologically sensitive sites like Po Pin Chau and coral areas around Sharp Island. As mainland tourist numbers surge during the holiday period, these measures aim to balance visitor access with conservation requirements while maintaining public cleanliness standards at remote campsites .