The government plans to pilot an appointment system on Po Pin Chau in Sai Kung and a 63-hectare marine park on Sharp Island

_{AFCD proposes an appointment system for East Dam and Po Pin Chau Photo: AFCD}

The government is studying a trial reservation system for the East Dam and Po Pin Chau section of Sai Kung Country Park to control peak visitor flow and prevent damage to the trails. It also proposes designating approximately 63 hectares of coral reef area on the east and west sides of Sharp Island as a marine park, aiming to complete the statutory procedures by mid-2027.

The government submitted documents to the Legislative Council indicating that the AFCD is reviewing the carrying capacity of some popular hiking sites and examining long-term management strategies for these hotspots, including studying the introduction of a reservation system. Based on data and observations from past Mainland Golden Week holidays, the number of visitors to the East Dam to Po Pin Chau section of Sai Kung Country Park has reached the site’s carrying capacity during peak hours on certain days. To more effectively control visitor numbers and flow, the government is studying and considering introducing a reservation system to protect the trails from excessive wear and tear and to enhance the visitor experience by diverting visitors to different times of the day. In response to the current situation where hiking trails in other country parks do not require reservations, the government will explore the feasibility of piloting a reservation system on the Po Pin Chau section to collect data and evaluate its effectiveness. 

_{Sharp Island Photo: AFCD}

The document further states that, given the large areas of high-ecological-value coral reefs in the eastern and western parts of Sharp Island, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) proposes designating the coral areas on both sides of Sharp Island, including the Link Island Sandbar, as a marine park covering approximately 63 hectares, and developing a related management plan. The AFCD has already conducted public consultations on this matter and is gradually advancing the designation process, aiming to complete the statutory procedures by mid-2027.

The department will also consider the feasibility of including other important ecological sites within the marine park’s protection scope, and will strengthen patrols, enforcement, cleaning management, and promote other recreational locations as needed to disperse crowds, ensuring that ecotourism and nature conservation go hand in hand. The document also shows that the government has strengthened management in response to the significant increase in visitor numbers at popular attractions such as Sai Kung East Country Park and Sharp Island during the Golden Week long weekend.

Improvement works on the relevant country parks have commenced in the first half of 2025, including adding road signs and country information boards to provide clearer guidance for tourists, repairing mountain trails using handcrafted methods, and adding avoidance areas to enhance hiking safety. The AFCD is also planting themed native flowering plants along the trails, adding basic rest facilities at suitable locations, and adding or improving viewpoints and photo spots. The improvement work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.