Countryside Blues | Pearl Magazine 18 Apr 2021 | Hong Kong News | Weekly Update

Summary

The pandemic has led to a surge in local hiking among Hong Kong residents, resulting in environmental damage and littering. Volunteers and NGOs are combating this by cleaning up trails and educating the public on responsible outdoor behavior. The script highlights the impact of overcrowded trails, the removal of trash bins to encourage carrying away trash, and the need for government intervention to manage the capacity and preserve the natural beauty of the countryside.

Takeaways

• 🌄 The pandemic has led to an increase in local hiking among Hong Kong residents, as overseas travel remains restricted.
• 🚯 The surge in hiking has resulted in a significant rise in littering and environmental damage on hiking trails.
• 🤝 NGOs and volunteers have initiated cleanup efforts and are providing advice on how to better care for green spaces.
• 🛤️ Hikers are creating new shortcuts for scenic photos, which is destroying vegetation and contributing to erosion.
• 🗑️ Since 2017, the removal of rubbish bins in country parks has led to an increase in littering as hikers struggle to find places to dispose of their trash.
• 🌱 The government's decision to remove bins was intended to encourage hikers to carry away their trash, but it has resulted in more littering.
• 🏞️ The impact of hiking on the environment includes soil erosion, disturbance to wildlife, and degradation of trails.
• 👣 Many hikers are unaware of the long-term consequences of their actions, such as trail erosion and its impact on safety and the environment.
• 📈 There has been a significant increase in the number of visitors to country parks and the amount of litter collected, indicating a pressing environmental issue.
• 🚫 There is a call for public education and awareness to improve hikers' behavior and reduce the environmental impact of hiking.
• 🔍 The script highlights the need for better management and regulation of hiking trails to prevent further damage and preserve the natural environment.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the Pearl Magazine video script?

The main issue discussed is the environmental impact caused by the surge in local hiking due to the pandemic, leading to increased littering and damage to Hong Kong's countryside.

Why has there been an increase in local hiking among Hong Kong residents?

The increase in local hiking is attributed to the pandemic, which has restricted overseas travel, forcing residents to explore their own backyard.

What is the consequence of hikers creating new shortcuts for scenic photos?

Creating new shortcuts leads to the destruction of vegetation and contributes to trail degradation and erosion.

What action has the volunteer cleanup team taken to address the littering issue?

The volunteer cleanup team, initiated by Sin like Cow, conducts regular cleanups at least three days a week and collects rubbish before the rainy season to prevent it from becoming marine refuse.

Why did the Hong Kong government remove rubbish bins from country parks since 2017?

The removal of rubbish bins was intended to encourage hikers to carry away their own trash, but it has resulted in more littering as people can't find bins to dispose of their waste.

How has the increase in hiking impacted the local wildlife and their habitats?

The increase in human presence has led to damage to animal habitats, disturbance to wildlife, and a reliance on human feeding, which can be detrimental to their health and survival.

What challenges do volunteers face when trying to maintain the cleanliness of hiking trails?

Volunteers face challenges such as the lack of coordination among different government departments responsible for waste management, leading to a lack of timely cleanup and the accumulation of trash in remote areas.

What measures are being taken to repair and preserve the hiking trails?

In 2018, Vivian, along with the AFCD, formed a volunteer team to repair various trails, including the Mackelhouse Trail, although the plan has been suspended due to the pandemic.

Why has the number of prosecutions for environmental damage reached a three-year high?

The increase in prosecutions is likely due to the higher number of visitors to country parks, leading to more instances of damage to plants, illegal fires, and unauthorized driving of bicycles or vehicles.

What is the role of public education in addressing the environmental impact of hiking?

Public education is crucial to raise environmental awareness, teaching people about the importance of preserving trails and countryside, and encouraging responsible behavior during outdoor activities.

What are the long-term consequences of trail erosion mentioned by Professor Um?

Long-term consequences of trail erosion include safety hazards such as slippery surfaces, environmental problems like sedimentation in reservoirs or the sea, and disturbance to wildlife.