The flow of people from the new crown pneumonia to country parks has greatly increased, and at the same time, more people are paying attention to the development of country parks.
But how should a balance be struck between managing and preserving the natural landscape?
"Hong Kong 01" interviewed two former officials, including the recently discussed northern metropolitan area "Pushing Hand", Country Parks and Marine Parks Committee Chairman Ling Jiaqin, and "Father of Country Parks" Wang Fuyi (see separate article) ) To discuss the issue of countryside conservation.
Ling Jiaqin pointed out that country parks need to be "appropriately" managed, "don't just dry the cages", and need to be properly constructed, otherwise there will only be more damage and the safety of visitors can also be ensured.
However, he expressed his opposition to the development of the borders of country parks. He believed that conservation and development should not be opposed to each other. He suggested that suitable land should be found in the green belt instead. It’s not enough to walk into a country park."
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It is a good thing for the public to worry because they care for the natural environment.
But I believe that with a good design, micro-projects that integrate with the countryside can be carried out "appropriately".
Ling Jiaqin
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced earlier the results of the design competition for the construction of an observation deck on Po Bian Chau, which caused social controversy.
Some people worry that additional development will damage the natural landscape of the countryside.
After Ling Jiaqin retired from the post of Director of Planning in 2017, he frequently participated in public office.
Since 2019, he has served as the chairman of the Country Parks and Marine Parks Committee. He believes that country parks must be properly managed. Facilities such as Pobian Chau Observation Deck are really necessary.
In the past, Ling Jiaqin had climbed Huashan with friends several times to overlook the beautiful scenery of Pobian Chau.
However, the entrance to this place is not clear, and the path is also an informal hiking trail, which is dangerous when going down the mountain. In addition, due to lack of maintenance, the mountain top has serious soil erosion.
In addition, when you go up to the viewing location, there are dangers. "If there are some people walking to the end, it is really a hundred feet of an abyss." He emphasized that there must be management measures and construction, such as telling the public that there is a certain path. Difficulties and dangers, delineate the viewing platform area, so as to avoid "traveling mistakes", "doing well will not cause damage, but will help protect the environment."
▼Part of the works of Sai Kung Po Bien Chau Observation Deck Design Competition▼
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Dragon spine outfit "dragon claws" provokes bad criticism: don't you like to take the canal
The "Dragon Claw" installation at Shek O Longji at the beginning of the year received rave reviews on the Internet. In the end, the department was under pressure and needed to be dismantled.
Ling Jiaqin said with a smile, "There is a certain subjective element in doing something beautiful and not beautiful. After listening to everyone's opinions and making adjustments, we will do better in the future." I believe the AFCD will learn from experience in the process and will be more sensitive to the public's response. .
He also rehabilitated his colleagues. The decoration was made up of fallen trees and did not damage the environment.
However, Ling Jiaqin believes that the AFCD’s facilities have aroused social concern and reflect that the public loves the natural environment. “The people who continue to have worries are the cause of everyone’s concern.” He believes that with “appropriate” design, small construction projects can be compared to rural areas. Environmental integration.
▼Country park design in recent years▼
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"Border" is also a country park area
The last government proposed the development of housing estates in the border areas of country parks. During the interview, Ling Jiaqin repeatedly reiterated his opposition to the proposal. He stated that "the borders" also belonged to the scope of country parks. When he was the Director of Planning, he had already stated that there was no need to develop country parks. .
He emphasized that although there is a shortage of land for buildings, "you can't rely on it because 40% of the land is reserved for country parks. It doesn't matter. I definitely don't agree with this view."
Ling believes that there are still 16,000 hectares of green belt between the city and the country parks, some of which have been human activities, including squatters and brownfield operations.
Therefore, if land is needed for development, it is still possible to study whether to use green belts.
He also said that when he was the Director of Planning, he had already identified 150 hectares of green belts for rezoning residential land, which was expected to provide 80,000 to 90,000 residential units. However, research is still needed.
What are the criteria for selecting green belts for development?
Ling Jiaqin said that ecologically sensitive places must be avoided, and there are no special habitats; even if a certain green zone is selected, it must be handled carefully, such as precious trees, seasonal rivers and streams must be protected and integrated with development.
In addition, the development site should be close to the existing infrastructure facilities, such as close to a road, which is relatively cost-effective.
As for the northern metropolitan area, it is expected to take 20 years. Is it difficult to solve the housing problem?
Ling hopes that the land and housing construction will be completed in the later part of the first 10 years of the plan, and he emphasized that many projects in the north are in the development or preparation stage, "only to use the general method of this city."
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