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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Chirs Ip and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (March 18):

Question:
 
It has been reported that during the Lunar New Year (LNY) holidays this year, quite a number of visitors camped in Hong Kong’s countryside, leaving substantial amounts of litter on nearby beaches and in public toilets, and some were even suspected of illegally lighting fires. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as an environmental group has estimated that more than 10 000 people visited the Sai Kung Country Park (including Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan) via Pak Tam Chung during this year’s LNY holidays, and over 1 200 tents were pitched at campsites, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the numbers of tents and overnight visitors at various designated government-managed campsites in the Sai Kung District between the first and the seventh days of LNY this year, and of the highest figures recorded;
 
(2) of the total number of enforcement operations conducted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at various designated campsites in the Sai Kung District during the first seven days of LNY this year, and the respective numbers of Hong Kong residents and inbound visitors prosecuted in those operations; and
 
(3) given the Government’s previous indication that it would study the introduction of a booking or fee-charging system for scenic spots in the countryside, of the preliminary details of such a system; whether, prior to the implementation of any new system, special measures will be taken during festive holidays to prevent a recurrence of crowding and disorder at campsites; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,

Our country has been stressing “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, and advances the visionary initiative of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. To implement the country’s principle and protect Hong Kong’s irreplaceable biodiversity, the Government has been attaching great importance to ecological conservation, with a view to contributing to the building of a “Beautiful China” and a “Beautiful Hong Kong”. In December 2025, Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay was selected as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” with an excellent overall score, reflecting the Government’s efforts and achievements in protecting, planning, managing, and restoring the natural ecology.
 
In recent years, Hong Kong’s beautiful countryside has attracted many visitors, in particular, the Sai Kung East Country Park has become a favourable destination for hiking and camping for many people. Before the start of this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week, the Government had already made arrangements for designated camp sites in the Sai Kung district, including erecting promotional and educational banners and signs at prominent locations in the campsites, formulating management measures, as well as conducting patrol, cleaning, litter collection, and public education. Since February 14, the AFCD had deployed staff at hotspots, including Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan, to patrol and remind campers to observe camping etiquette and code. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had also assigned toilet attendants to be on duty at the Ham Tin Wan public toilet during the Golden Week on a daily basis, and installed network cameras to monitor the cleanliness of the areas outside the public toilet.
 
During the Chinese New Year Golden Week, while the number of camping tents was significantly higher than usual with intense atmosphere of camping, the Government had implemented various measures, and the overall usage, hygiene, and order of the Sai Kung district campsites were largely in line with the plan. During the period, the AFCD had released photos a number of times showing the actual conditions of the campsites after the campers had left, and there had been no severe damage to the ecological environment of Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan. Regarding another hotspot, namely the East Dam, under inter-departmental collaboration, public transport services and traffic management had been enhanced. The AFCD had also published crowd information of the East Dam on the “Enjoy Hiking” website, arranged cleaning services, added fencing and erected warning signs at the Po Pin Chau viewing platform, and conducted patrols as planned. The overall situation was also largely in line with the plan, and visitor activities were generally smooth.
 
On where camping and lighting fires are permitted, according to the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, campers may erect tents or camps in designated areas within country parks and special areas. The Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations also allow campers and visitors to light and use fires in designated campsites or designated barbecue sites. The entire beach areas of Ham Tin Wan and Long Ke Wan have been designated as campsites, where visitors are permitted to light and use fires.  Additionally, campers should keep the countryside clean, and the fixed penalty for littering offences within country parks is $3,000.
 
In response to the question raised by the Hon Chris Ip, my reply is as follows:
 
(i) The AFCD has established a total of 41 designated campsites in country parks across Hong Kong, of which nine are located in the Sai Kung district, including Ham Tin Wan Campsite, Sai Wan Campsite, Long Ke Wan Campsite, and Pak Lap Campsite. For campers’ reference, the AFCD classifies the campsites into large, medium, and small sizes. One that can accommodate over 50 tent spaces is a large campsite. Ham Tin Wan Campsite and Sai Wan Campsite are classified as large campsites, and because their areas are significantly larger than other typical large campsites, they can accommodate a much higher number of tents than others. Currently, except for the Twisk Campsite which requires reservation, all other designated campsites are available for visitors on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Therefore, the AFCD does not keep records of the maximum number of tents or overnight visitors for these campsites, though it is roughly estimated that Ham Tin Wan Campsite had around 300 tents at the peak.
 
(ii) During the Chinese New Year Golden Week period, i.e. from  February 14 to 23, the AFCD took enforcement actions against 32 suspected offenders at popular countryside locations within the Sai Kung district’s country parks.  Among these, 27 were non-local residents, with 16 involved in littering, eight spitting, and three lighting fires outside designated campsites or designated barbecue sites. Five were local residents, with one involved in littering, one lighting fires outside designated campsites or designated barbecue sites, and three illegal bicycle activities. The above violations mainly occurred along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail and the East Dam area.
 
(iii) To better manage popular hiking sites under the AFCD’s purview and to support the development of the tourism industry, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the AFCD are examining the feasibility of introducing a reservation and fee-charging system at some popular countryside locations and campsites. The review will fully consider the conditions of different sites, ecological protection, visitor safety, access control and various details of practical implementation, such as reservation arrangements, how to collect fee, whether to adopt real-name reservation system, corresponding enforcement and management arrangements, necessary supporting facilities and promotional plans.  As the reservation and fee-charging system differs from the current management measures applicable to most of the countryside sites managed by it, the AFCD plans to conduct trials to test different management methods and measures prior to implementation. This aims to gain experience and evaluate the pros and cons of different approaches and help formulate a long-term implementation plan.
 
At the same time, the AFCD will continue to formulate management measures and make preparation for its popular countryside and camping sites during holiday periods, closely monitor the situation at popular countryside locations, and execute the plan of conducting various cleaning and management works, patrols and enforcement, as well as wider publicity and education on countryside etiquette. The department will also collaborate with other departments and organisations to promote different countryside attractions across Hong Kong to diverse visitor flow.
 
Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 18) instructed the trade to suspend the import of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) in France. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately should they possess it.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS noted a notification from the French authorites that raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) were suspected to be contaminated with norovirus and under recall. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local major importers and retailers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation by the CFS found that the affected raw oysters have not been imported into Hong Kong. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant).”

The spokesman said the trade should also stop selling raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) if they possess them.

The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw or partially cooked oysters are high-risk foods. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.

The CFS will inform the French authorities and will also notify the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (March 18) jointly organised a seminar titled “New Opportunities for Hong Kong Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry in Expanding into Chinese Mainland Market”, attracting the participation of around 80 industry representatives. The seminar aimed to help the industry keep abreast of the latest information and capture emerging business opportunities following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland (collectively referred to as co-operation agreements) in May last year between the EEB and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
The seminar showcased the synergy of cross-departmental collaboration, focusing on how the co-operation agreements facilitate the entry of Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products into the Mainland. Discussions also explored how food brands can leverage the intellectual property advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” products to expand more efficiently into the Mainland food market and enhance competitiveness.
 
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “Demand for high-quality food products in the Mainland market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for ‘Made in Hong Kong’ food products, which are well known for their high-quality standards. With further streamlined cross-boundary trade procedures, InvestHK will fully support companies establishing F&B operations in Hong Kong to forge connections with Mainland distribution channels and partners, helping them seize the opportunities arising from the Mainland food trade.”
 
     A spokesperson of the EEB said, “‘Food from Hong Kong’ is a reputable brand for Mainland customers. Coupled with the potential of the Mainland market, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has facilitated the food industry in opening up the Mainland market by strengthening co-operation with Mainland authorities. We encourage food enterprises to make good use of the policy and seize the market opportunities by exporting food products that satisfy the prescribed requirements to the Mainland.”
 
During the seminar, representatives from the EEB provided a detailed briefing on the requirements and procedures for Hong Kong food products entering the Mainland market, including testing and certification and facilitation measures for customs clearance, and shared updates on the practical implementation of the co-operation agreements signed last year, offering food enterprises new opportunities for growth. Representatives from InvestHK introduced the wide range of supportive services available to overseas and Mainland companies and highlighted how the Northern Metropolis offers attractive land resources for food businesses to scale up production, strengthen competitiveness through the “Made in Hong Kong” advantage, and capitalise on the growing Mainland market demand.
 
InvestHK will continue to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, maintain close engagement with the industry, and provide timely information and support to help Hong Kong-manufactured food and beverage businesses seize development opportunities, while promoting economic and trade exchanges and two-way investment between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332586638.