Crowds of tourists at Po Chin Chau
In anticipation of a large number of visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Sharp Island during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (1 to 7 October), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has announced the following preparation and deployment of management work at different ecotourism hotspots during the holiday period:
High Island Reservoir East Dam
In addition to deploying additional manpower to strengthen management of the East Dam area of High Island Reservoir, the AFCD will use drones equipped with broadcasting functions to conduct surveillance regularly from above the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and remind visitors not to cross the railings. The AFCD will disseminate visitor flow information for the East Dam area via the ”Enjoy Hiking” Information on Visitor Flow at East Dam of High Island Reservoir webpage to help visitors better plan their trips.
East Dam tourist crowds
Furthermore, the AFCD will continue to trial the online real-name reservation arrangement for the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section, and implement crowd management measures at the Po Pin Chau Section and the viewing platform. Reservations for 1 to 5 October are fully booked for the entire day, while limited quotas remain available for certain time slots on the remaining days. Please pay attention to the latest announcements by the AFCD.
Campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan in Sai Kung
AFCD will deploy additional staff day and night to patrol, be stationed, enforce regulations against violations, and use CCTV systems to assist in monitoring the campsites. The AFCD staff on-site will enhance publicity on safe hiking, caring for the environment, animals and plants, maintaining cleanliness, and observing camping behaviour and etiquette. They will also strengthen cleaning and waste management efforts around campsites.
Ham Tin Wan beach camping
AFCD will provide strainers for collecting food residues outside the Ham Tin public toilet and will, on a trial basis, lend small grill stands to campers in need at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites to help maintain campsite cleanliness. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has installed an eco-smart toilet near the Ham Tin public toilet to provide additional cubicles and washing facilities, and will deploy toilet attendants to be on duty daily during holidays to enhance cleaning services.
Sharp Island
AFCD will increase and deploy staff, and use drones to monitor conditions on the beach and along the coastal area. The department will also conduct joint patrols with the FEHD, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force to carry out publicity and education and maintain order; once frontline staff observe anyone attempting acts that may damage the ecology, such as damaging, disturbing, feeding or collecting marine organisms, or entering the water at coral locations—they will intervene immediately. The Government will also enhance cleaning of public places on the island.
Sharp Island
In addition, the AFCD will collaborate with the WWF-Hong Kong to set up a public education booth at the pier of Sharp Island and the beach backshore to promote marine conservation messages and guidelines for appreciating nature. Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides will also patrol the nearshore waters to remind snorkelers to follow coral-friendly routes for entering and exiting the water to avoid accidentally trampling on corals.
 Reminders on hiking safety and protecting the natural environment
AFCD urges visitors to pay attention to hiking safety, follow outdoor etiquette and codes, and only officially managed and maintained trails in country parks. Information boards and direction signs have been placed at appropriate locations in country parks, and warning signs have been erected near locations with dangerous terrains to remind visitors not to get close to dangerous areas to avoid accidents. Visitors should follow the signs and stay on official trails, and must not cross railings or stand close to cliff edges, coastal fringes, steep slopes and other dangerous locations. Visitors must prioritise their personal safety and should not take risks by using shortcuts or for the sake of taking photos or sightseeing.
Hikers should assess their physical capabilities, make adequate preparations before setting out and pay attention to weather conditions. They should wear appropriate clothing and prepare sufficient drinking water to prevent heatstroke, avoid hiking alone, and ensure that mobile phones are fully charged so that help can be sought by calling 999 or 112 in case of an emergency. For information on hiking safety and outdoor etiquette and codes, please visit the ”Enjoy Hiking” Hiking Information on Green Tourism webpage.
AFCD will strengthen patrols, publicity and education work at the above ecotourism hotspots during the holiday. Enforcement action will be taken immediately against any violations.
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