A major development plan in Hong Kong, approved in late 2024, has sparked significant backlash from environmental advocates. They are particularly worried about the impact on coastal wetlands.
The Northern Metropolis project covers a vast area of 74,000 acres and aims to house 2.5 million new residents in Hong Kong’s New Territories. This plan intends to convert farmland and villages into commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, anchored by the San Tin Technopole—a 1,550-acre innovation park inspired by Silicon Valley. It will be located near a similar park in Shenzhen, China, enhancing both areas’ technological synergy.
Currently, much of the land designated for this development includes manmade wetlands, established in the 1960s for fish and shrimp farming. Environmental experts recognize these wetlands as crucial habitats for endangered species and carbon-sequestering mangrove forests. They also serve as crucial stopovers for over 50,000 migrating birds each year. These wetlands play a vital role in creating a buffer between Hong Kong’s urban landscape and the undeveloped areas in the New Territories.
Most of these ponds are set to be filled in by 2027 to accommodate the technopole. Organizations, including the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, have criticized the haste of the government to push this project forward. A coalition of ten groups even petitioned for a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment report in June 2024.
This development poses risks to local communities, especially tenant farmers who rely on traditional fish farming methods. The shrinking availability of local produce could further endanger food security in Hong Kong, a region that already imports over 95% of its food.
Residents like Man Kim Fung, whose family has lived in San Tin for centuries, express concerns. He views the technopole as a move that will cause production to shift from Hong Kong to Mainland China. He wonders what will happen when Hong Kong’s autonomy ends in 2047. Will the area’s lands be seen as resources to be exploited? “They may think, ‘How do I get this land?’” he says.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, claims the project will leverage the unique strengths of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and serve as a hub for global resources. Yet, these grand plans seemingly clash with previous commitments to support local agriculture and protect local fisheries. Just a year earlier, Lee laid out a blueprint aiming to double local fish production by 2028. However, many locals feel these agricultural initiatives are being undermined by large-scale urban and technological developments.
Initially, the Northern Metropolis project included plans for over 1,200 acres designated as a wetland conservation park. However, recent revisions have reduced this area by one-third, raising more alarms among environmentalists. Feedback from a public consultation revealed that over 80% of responses expressed concerns about the ecological consequences of the San Tin Technopole. Despite this, Hong Kong’s government is determined to move forward with the project.
Local experts like Joshua Bolchover from the University of Hong Kong believe there is still a chance to create a development that reflects the area’s unique characteristics. He suggests that instead of replicating generic urban designs, project planners should work to maintain and showcase the local environment that coexists with community life.
Ultimately, while the ambition for technological advancement is clear, the risk to local ecosystems, food supply, and the traditional ways of life remains a contentious issue. The balance between development and conservation is critical as Hong Kong looks to shape its future.
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Environment,East Asia,Hong Kong,Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail,Hong Kong economy,Hong Kong environment,Hong Kong New Territories,Northern Metropolis project,San Tin Technopole,San Tin wetlands,Shenzhen
