Bsc (Honours) Tourism Management

Sheffield Business School

BSc (Honours) Tourism Management

Title The ecotourism development in Hong Kong

Name Lai Po Chu Natalie

Student No 91206692

Month Year April 2011

Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Business School

Title The ecotourism development in Hong Kong

FULL NAME Lai Po Chu, Natalie STUDENT No 91206692

Supervisor: MS. MONICA LAW

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management.

Month Year April 2011

Acknowledgement

I have many people to thank for this project:

I would like to thank my Supervisor, Dr. Monica Law sincerely for her guidance with her tolerance, patience to get through the ongoing processing. Thank for her comments and inspiration. I am apologizing to her because I have given much troubles and problems during the progress.

Also, I would like to thank my family. I know I have bad temper during working this project and they take my responsibility of doing housework. Moreover, they have to endure me for working in the night. Fortunately, they did not complaint at all.

Finally, I would like to thank my friends. They help me a lot on the project while I come across difficult problems. They give me advice and suggestions to slove the difficulities. Moreover, I always grumble when I was tired and dejected and they cheer me up. Without their encouragement, I can not finish my project and graduate for my degree.

Table of Content

Acknowledgement ...... I Table of Content ...... II List of Figures ...... IV List of Tables ...... V List of Abbreviation used ...... VI Executive Summary ...... VII

Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction ...... 1 1.2 Aims and objectives ...... 4

Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Definitions...... 5 2.1.1 Ecotourism ...... 5 2.1.2 Sustainable development ...... 6 2.2 Four fundamental elements of ecotourism ...... 8 2.3 Key stakeholders on ecotourism ...... 9 2.3.1 Government ...... 9 2.3.2 Ecotourist ...... 9 2.3.3 Local communities ...... 10 2.3.4 Non-profit groups ...... 12 2.4 Case study of other countries ...... 13

Chapter 3 Methodology 3.1 Research Method ...... 17 3.1.1 Limitation ...... 18 3.1.2 Checklist of data ...... 19

Chapter 4 Findings and Analysis 4.1 Visitor profile ...... 20 4.2 Government bodies responsible for ecotourism ...... 21 4.2.1 Roles of Hong Kong Tourism Board ...... 21 4.2.2 Roles of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department ...... 23 4.3 Environmental impacts of developing ecotourism ...... 24

4.3.1 Ecology ...... 25 4.3.2 Noise impact...... 27 4.3.3 Waste impact ...... 27 4.4 Sustainable development ...... 28 4.4.1 Carrying capacity ...... 28 4.4.2 Education ...... 29

Chapter 5 Recommendations & Conclusion 5.1 Regular compile statistics on ecotourism ...... 31 5.2 Setting an integrated official website about ecotourism activities ...... 31 5.3 Put government in charge of accreditation ...... 32 5.4 Reinforce the concept of sustainable development ...... 34 5.5 Conclusion ...... 35

Bibliography

III

List of Figures

1. Sustainable Development Definition 7

List of Tables

1. A typology of participation 11

2. Tourist Management Principles Addressed in the Ecotourism Policy 16

3. AFCD’s responsibility 24

4. Application requirements for Tourist Guide 33

List of Abbreviation used

AFCD Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

CNTA China National Tourism Administration

DMZ Demilitarized Zone

EMA Ecological Mitigation Area

HAD Home Affairs Department

HKTB Hong Kong Tourism Board

HKFYG The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

ROK Republic of Korea

TIC Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong

TIES The International Ecotourism Society

WCED World Commission on Environment and Development\

YMCA The Young Men's Christian Association

Executive Summary

The focus of this study was the ecotourism development of Hong Kong. The study

explored the impact of developing ecotourism on the environment and the factors that

make ecotourism can be developed sustainable. Secondary research data and qualitative analysis are used for the intended method. Neil & Wearing (1999) is the major literature that supports the study. This literature investigates the impacts,

potentials and possibilities of ecotourism.

In a study carried out by the HKTB in 2001, 21 percent of visitors, amount to two

million people, expressed an interest in taking part in ecotourism based activities. The

largest age group who are interested in ecotourism belongs to 20 to 39 and 43%

received university or above. They recognize country parks, marine parks and trails as

ecotourism site.

HKTB aims to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and

to enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. AFCD works for the conservation on natural environment. Through ecotourism development, the ecosystem of Hong Kong is well-conserved. There are hundreds of rare species can be found in Hong Kong’s ecosystem. However, some ecotourism activities caused irrecoverable consequence.

VII

Dolphin-watching is one of the activities can not be ignored. Noise pollution is another serious problem because it is very hard for many people to keep quiet.

Tourists also litter and discharge pollution.

Therefore, managing the carry capacity is vital to sustain ecotourism. However, there is no official visitors limit in ecotourism sites and the sites are overcrowded. The government should establish the carrying capacity. Also, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Geopark Park have been allocated many resources to implant the concept of sustainable development.

To conclude, HKTB should conduct a comprehensive statistic of ecotourism every year and establish an integrated official website that includes all ecotourism activities with relevant information. Form an accreditation system and reinforce the concept of sustainable development are critical to manage ecotourism.

VIII

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction

Hong Kong has put a lot of resources to make the city of fantasy and commerce.

According to HKTB (2010), 56% of tourists come to Hong Kong for vacation and

18% for business. However, there is no typical number showing the percentage of

visitors who mainly focus on ecotourism. Although ecotourism may be minor part of

overall tourism development, it has been speedy expanding and attracting tourists who are respectful of the nature environment (Heo et al, 2009). And Hong Kong is a destination which possesses rich natural beauty, from lush greenery to breathtaking landscapes. Statistics of HKTB in 2001 show that of the 13.7 million visitors, 24% expressed interest in ecotourism so it is a valuable chance for Hong Kong government to invest into ecotourism development. In 2002, ecotourism was designated as one of the specific market segments. The Wetland Park is Hong Kong’s first major ecotourism initiative opened in May, 2006. The Park plays the role of a world-class ecotourism facility to serve both local residents and overseas tourists. There are also twenty four country parks, four marine parks and one marine reserve to demonstrate the diversity of facility of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Geopark is the latest ecotourism attraction performing conservation, education and sustainable development. Not only the hardware in Hong Kong can attract tourists, the various

activities also encourage the locals and foreigners to take part in ecotourism like the

Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope Programme that launched a tour each day of the week to highlight the nature side of Hong Kong. Moreover, Geopark Festival that

co-organized by the AFCD, HAD includes papercutting exhibition and photography

workshops, as well as the best geo-tour routes public polling. It aims to popularize

geo-education through public engagement.

However, the balance between developing ecotourism and mass tourism is a key issue.

Ecotourism itself cannot survive indefinitely in a situation where non-ecotourism

keeps on depleting resources (Tisdell and Wen, 2001). On the other hand, ecotourism

also involves environmental, social and economic impacts by developing itself. The

most obvious among above should be environmental impact. Develop ecotourism can

provide incentive to protect natural environments and wildlife. The impacts of waste

and tourist activities like wildlife observation are the cost.

Sustainability is a popular term which appeals many times in tourism development,

especially in ecotourism. As a matter of fact, ecotourism need to be sustainably

managed realistically, otherwise the industry will no longer exist. Hong Kong has

developed ecotourism but the sustainability is the most concerned issue. EU (2007,

p.9) stated that ‘The development of ecotourism must conform with the

environment sustainable development, lets the visitors know the nature and care it in the journey, simultaneously plans the journey strictly, minimize the impacts on the environment, achieves the human and the environment win-win situation.’ in the

“Create a geological park in eastern New Territories”. In fact, in many ecotourism sites, for example, Tung Ping Chau and Tai O face numerous problems like environmental pressure and human destroy. The government needs to set up an effective plan to protect the places and precious rare species, up to the whole ecotourism, and then the system can get into sustainable development.

1.2 Aims and objectives

Hassan (2000, p.239) addressed that interest in ecotourism experience is growing by

25% to 30% per year. Hong Kong is a such intensive city where occupies a very small area of only about 1100 km2, and the visitor arrivals reached 36.03 million in 2010

(HKTB). It is a matter that the government needs to have a tourism plan deal with the

numerous tourists especially in ecotourism. Therefore, the ecotourism can

long-lasting through sustainable development.

Aim

To investigate the development of ecotourism in Hong Kong

Objectives

1. To examine the existing ecotourism development in Hong Kong

2. To investigate the impact of developing ecotourism in the environment

3. To determine how can ecotourism can be developed sustainable

Chapter 2 Literature Review

2.1 Definitions

2.1.1 Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a simple word but a complex and contradictory concept (Neil &

Wearing, 1999). The word ‘eco’ means big issue (Fennell, 1999). The earliest person

who defined ecotourism and most cited definition was come from Hector

Ceballos-Lascurian. He defined ecotourism as ‘tourism that involves traveling to

relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with specific objective of

studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well

as any existing cultural manifestations, both past and present, found in these areas’

(Ceballos-Lascurian, 1987). This definition interprets the nature tourism. However, to

put in use of ecotourism, it can not perfectly fulfill the most important component

which is conservation.

TIES (1990) defined ecotourism is ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people’. There is no globally accepted definition of ecotourism; different destinations or scholars may have diverse definition affected by the tourism policies and strategies. Also, definition involves

perspective, interests and values of a destination. But conservation or sustainable development is an indispensable factor of a comprehensive definition.

In Hong Kong, AFCD defined ecotourism is ‘the protection of natural resources for the purpose of enabling environment for sustainable development of tourism, the main emphasis on experiencing and understanding of nature. At the same time, to conduct in a social ethics way, and reduce the impact and consumption of resources. Also mainly understand the customs and culture of a location (control, benefit and scale aspect). Ecotourism activities are usually carry out in the natural environment, and should be helpful to care for the environment or conservation tourist destinations.’

2.1.2 Sustainable development

The definition of sustainable development is stated from Butler (1991), ‘tourism which is developed and maintained in an area (community, environment) in such a manner and at such a scale that it remains viable over an indefinite period and does not degrade or alter the environment (human and physical) in which it exists to such a degree that it prohibits the successful development and well-being of other activities and processes’.

To come for an easier and better understanding, according to the WCED, it means

‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs.’ Pforr (2001) believed that ecotourism is not only nature-based tourism, it closely linked to the concept of sustainable development. Therefore, it should be developed consistent with the principles of the parental paradigm of sustainable development, balancing economic, ecological and social aspects.

Many environmentalists promote conservation and sustainable development in ecotourism. The idea is to protect through usage and lead to a generally ‘green’ tourism industry and increase in the ecological awareness and behavior of tourists

(Ziffer, 1989).

Figure 1 Sustainable development definition

Source from: http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/definitions.html

2.2 Four fundamental elements of ecotourism

Even the difference between the definitions, Neil and Wearing (1999) demonstrated four basic elements that must be included in ecotourism. First, the idea of movement

or travel from one location to another is not applicable to ecotourism. This type of

travel should be restricted to relatively undisturbed or protected natural areas.

Ecotourism is mainly focus on experiencing natural areas. Protected or undisturbed

natural areas offer the ‘best guarantee for encountering sustained natural feature and

attractions’ (Ceballos Lascurain, 1990).

Second, ecotourism is natural-based, any activities such as business travel, travel to

cities or conventional travel can not consider as ecotourism because their focus is not

on experiencing the natural. Swanson (1992) stated that ecotourism is travel, often to

developing countries, to relative undistributed natural areas for study, enjoyment.

Third, ecotourism is conservation-oriented. Ecotourism aims to take small groups of

people to natural or protected areas with a minimum impact on the physical, social

and cultural environments. So ecotourism contributes to a sustainable future.

And the last one is ecotourism represent the educative role. Ecotourism attracts

tourists who want to get in touch with environment, at the same time, develop their

knowledge, awareness and appreciation is the most significant task.

2.3 Key stakeholders on ecotourism

2.3.1 Government

The government policy is crucial in supporting the development of ecotourism (Heo

et al, 2009). Since there are many accreditations offer by different organizations, but

there should be one that recognized by the government. An accreditation system that

managed by the ministry-level policy is necessary for developing a successful and

sustainable ecotourism. Moreover, the government policy is aimed at legislation, regulation including revenue collection and redistribution, the coordination of policy

and programmes, infrastructure and incentives, planning and promotion between

national and local level ecotourism project (Neil &Wearing, 1999).

2.3.2 Ecotourist

Also, ecotourist plays an important role in ecotourism. Ecotourists are people tired of

visiting modern cities or man-made resort complexes. They can be a booster for

ecotourism because they are high educated who between 20 and 40 years of age (Beal,

1995). They are more likely to be members of conservation organizations, and to support environmentally friendly products than non-ecotourists (Tisdell &Wen, 2001).

However, ecotourists can also destroy the environment. According to a survey that

done by The Democratic Party (2004), about 72% interviewees think the present ecotourism has already caused a great pressure to the natural environment. Also, the

numbers of visitors during weekend are eight times of weekday and even fifty six

times in Tung Ping Chau.

2.3.3 Local communities

Local community participation is a chance to give people more opportunities to

participate effectively in development activities, these include authorizing people to

mobilize their capacities, be social active rather than passive subjects, manage the resource, make decisions and control the activities which affect their lives (Cernea,

1991). There are seven different types of participation that developed by Pretty (1995).

The typology starts from passive participation that the local communities have no power or control of the development and decisions are made by external bodies. And the last and ideal one is self-mobilization. External consultants provide support services but have no control over the development process and local communities can make decisions by themselves.

Table 1 A typology of participation

Typology Comments 1. Passive Participation  People participation is limited to being told what is going to or what has already happen  People’s response are not taken into account  Information belongs only to external professionals

 People participation is limited to provision of 2. Participation in information giving information in response to questionnaires, surveys etc. designed by external agents  Findings of the research are not shared with the people, consequently they have no influence on proceedings  People participation involves consultation with 3. Participation by consulting local people by external agents  The problems and solution are defined solely by these agents  They may take into account people’s views during this process, but not obliged to do so  People participation by contributing resources (e.g. 4. Participation for material incentives labour) in return for food, cash or other material incentive  Farmers may provide fields and labour but are not involved in the experimentation or the process of learning  This is often called participation, but people have no stake in prolonging activities when the incentives end  People participate by forming groups to meet 5. Functional participation specific objectives related to the project  Involvement may be interactive but tends to arise later in the project cycle after major decisions have been made  Institutions formed tend to depend in external

 People participation in joint analysis, development 6. Interactive participation of action plans and creation or strengthening of local institutions  Participation is seen as a right and not only as a means of achieving project goals  It tends to involve interdisciplinary methodologies that and structured learning processes  Local groups take control of local decision making and determine how resources are to be used giving them a stake in maintaining structure or practices  People participate by taking initiatives independent 7. Self-mobilization of external institutions or change systems  They develop contacts with external institutions for advice and resources, and retain control of the use of resources  Self-mobilization and collective action mat or may not challenge existing inequitable distributions of wealth and power

Source: Jules (1995)

2.3.4 Non-profit groups

According to Wen (2001), many recreational, historic, professional, ethnic, health and

religious organizations are becoming involved in resource management, ecotourism

research, and policy-making and safeguarding of the environment. They stand up for

the interests of local communities and the long-term development of ecotourism.

Sometimes they cooperate with the government to make the policy that from visitors

and business operations point of view.

2.4 Case study of other countries

Heo (2009) did a comparison of ecotourism policies and implications among three different countries. The three Northern Asian countries, China, ROK and Japan had developed their policies and strategies for ecotourism. They also face different challenges and opportunities. On the other hand, their unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and improvement among ecotourism policies can be a reference to Hong

Kong.

In China, the government department that manages ecotourism is CNTA. It announced the year 2009 was the ecotourism year with the slogan, ‘Be a green traveler and experience eco-civilization.’ A clear mission and goals are given to ecotourism. Sustainable development is also orientated as an essential factor.

The types of activities involve in the ecotourism are forest recreation ecotourism, prairie ecotourism, desert exploration ecotourism and ocean vacation ecotourism.

China sets rules for all stakeholders to follow so healthy ecotourism development are much easier. Also, CNTA is development an integrated accreditation system.

Since the speedy increased demand of leisure and tourism, ecotourism can make use of this advantage from its unique natural landscape. Nevertheless, the concept of

ecological civilization needs to be reinforced by increasing people’s awareness of the

important of ecological system protection.

In ROK, the activities not only in natural resources, for example wetlands or

foreshore areas, also utilize historical and cultural resources, all of them include

interpretation programs. ROK can gain popularity for ecotourism through the Green

Growth Plan and Visit Korea Year for both domestic and foreign visitors. The use of

Demilitarized Zone is one of the greatest opportunities for ecotourism. According to

the Ministry of Environment (2008), the DMZ can bring a great potential in the long

run for an ecotourism destination. However, the national budgets are a big issue to make the ecotourism market neglected.

Japan defined the definition of ecotourism in law. The development of ecotourism in

Japan must listen to diverse opinions. There are five approaches to promote ecotourism. They involve develop a charter, establish a website, give best practice awards, prepare a manual for developing ecotourism and support model ecotourism projects. The main challenge for Japan is that no specific means or methods to achieve the goals and objectives. And the five approaches have continuously been practiced.

In short, there are seven topics that must be included in the industry: goals, principles, implementation, definitions, missions, responsible ministries and governmental support. Also, understanding the key players in ecotourism such as local communities can make the development more successful. The insights of this study can contrast the strengthen and weakness between Hong Kong and these three countries.

Table 2 Tourist Management Principles Addressed in the Ecotourism Policy

Topics Addressed in the Policy China ROK Japan Goals or objectives of ecotourism X X X Tourist use plan X Use of an established tourist management framework Permitted tourist levels and uses X Conflict management X Methods of transportation X X X Trails or maketing X X Noise restrictions X Restricted items X Zoning and temporary area restricted X X Accessibility (for the disabled) Dates and hours of operation X Length of stay X Fees and pricing X Tourist education and interpretation X X X Risk management X Emergency response X Waste management X X Enforcement of rules and laws X X Facilities X X X Accommodation X X X Retail services and concessions X Human resources required for ecotourism X X X (ex. number of staff) Marketing and competition for ecotourism X X Measurement of economic impacts of ecotourism X X Tourist use monitoring (numbers and activities) X X X Assessment of tourist satisfaction X X Assessment of attainment of objectives Source: Heo et al., 2009

Chapter 3 Methodology

3.1 Research Method

Since primary data is not easy to obtain which require a lot of efforts and resources,

the existing resources may not afford to obtain primary data. Secondary research data is used for the intended method. And qualitative analysis is used to analyze the data.

Secondary research data is the data that have been already gathered and readily available from other sources. Such data are cheaper and more quickly obtainable than

the primary data. Also the data may be available when primary data can not be

obtained at all. Therefore, it is economical that saves efforts and expenses. For

example, it is difficult to examine and explain the actual environmental impacts of

developing ecotourism by primary data since there are many aspects can be analyzed.

Moreover, some methods like questionnaire, even resources are put to investigate the impact; it can not obtain the useful data. Because interviewees only focus on the surrounding environment and they may not watch out the deep impacts. Secondary data can give out a clear picture that generated by professionals and the data can be collected easily. Also, it is time saving. There are many theories or researches, which are done by others scholars, are suitable for citing in the project. Compare with the primary research, focus group and survey which involve human resources and uncontrollable factors, secondary data can control by the researcher. Moreover,

secondary data is organized and analyzed by the scholars. It is readable so it helps to

improve and widen the understanding of the research. It goes into details that include

figures and references.

3.1.1 Limitation

Although secondary data is a better choice of research, the data may be outdated.

Since tourism changes with time and affected by many factors, economic situation, reputation and newly open tourism attractions. The research done before overlooked those factors that can vary the result. So the selected data must close to the research.

It is vital to choose the data is accurate. As the internet developed, anyone can upload

the resources without official recognition. The degree of accuracy is unknown.

It is convenient to obtain secondary data. Since the Internet has well developed,

access to these data are user-friendly. There are many online journals and websites

about ecotourism. Also, lots of books which are related to ecotourism can be obtained

in the library.

Because of the disadvantages of secondary data, evaluation of secondary data is

required. First, it must be looked up that the kind of data wanted is available or not. If

it is not available then primary data should be preferable. Second, it should meet the

requirements of the research. The accuracy of data is important. In order to find how accurate the data is, the dependability of the source must be seen. Also, adequate data should be available in order to support the research.

3.1.2 Checklist of data

1. Definition of ecotourism

2. Definition of sustainable tourism

3. Case study of other countries

4. Hong Kong ecotourism visitors profile

5. Roles of HKTB

6. Roles of AFCD

7. Events held by Hong Kong government

8. Environmental impacts of ecotourism

9. Policy and strategy of sustainable tourism

Chapter 4 Findings and Analysis

4.1 Visitor profile

According to the survey conducted by the Democratic Party on 2004, men accounted for more than half percentage out of nine hundred eighty two participants. And female got 44.5%. Almost 76% participants visited country parks and half visited marine parks and trails. The largest age group who are interested in ecotourism belongs to 20 to 39. About 35% of participants received secondary education and 43% received university or above. Most of the respondents were non-professionals (30%) and students (29%), but professionals also weigh 14.8%.

From the statistic results, it showed the majority of participants recognize country parks, marine parks and trails as ecotourism site. Only few visited marine reserve like

Ma Shi Chau and Tai Po Kau Special Area. It reflects the promotion of these sites is inadequate to fascinate tourists. Also, the community coverage just focuses on certain groups. Ecotourism should not only attract foreign tourists, but also the whole citizens regardless the age, educational background and identity, since the emphasis of ecotourism is experience the nature.

However, there is no official statistic reveals the profile for both local residents and

international visitors information. And the most updated statistic of the visitors interested in ecotourism was done on 2001 (HKTB), it falls behind the reality of development. Moreover, the statistics about tourism only concentrate on the business travelers or mainland arrivals including where they come from and spending.

4.2 Government bodies responsible for ecotourism

It is important that a designated government bodies in charge of ecotourism development. It bears the responsibility of supporting the development of ecotourism, such as setting up guidelines, providing education for staff members and promoting activities. There are mainly two government bodies in Hong Kong managing the ecotourism development. HKTB aims to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and to enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. AFCD works for the conservation on natural environment.

4.2.1 Roles of Hong Kong Tourism Board

HKTB aims to reinforce Hong Kong’s strength in ecotourism and acts as a promoter.

Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the HKTB (2007), stated that the HKTB is working intimately to help sustain the continued development of tourism with travel trade with more commercially-operated eco-oriented tours in the market. The Hong

Kong Natural Kaleidoscope Programme offers diverse activities of nature-tourism

products and experiences every day of the week. They emphasize the significant

nature side of Hong Kong. The programme included experience tour of the Kadoorie

Farm and Botanic Garden, Tai O ecotour and early morning bird watch. The purpose of these tours that led by local guides is to promote the importance of the flora, fauna and natural landscape of Hong Kong.

Mr. Anthony Lau also said that it has been very popular among visitors, which gives an overall rating of 7.9 marks (out of 10 marks) and all survey participants said they

would suggest the tours to families and friends. The findings clearly underline the

huge potential of eco-oriented tours.

In 2010, ‘Great Outdoors Hong Kong!’ is the second time that organized by HKTB

and AFCD. This time focus on Hong Kong National Geopark, as well as the various

hiking trails of MacLehose Trail. The promotion aims to encourage visitors to explore the nature in Hong Kong during the favourable hiking period. The promotion this year has been extended to local residents, inviting them to enjoy the magnificent nature with visitors.

To satisfy the needs of individual visitors and perform the duty of promoting

ecotourism, the HKTB has published a new ‘Great Outdoors Hong Kong!’ Guide

which available in both Chinese and English. This guidebook introduces the Hong

Kong National Geopark, popular hiking trails and various islands, and offers information on both free and paid guided hiking tours by the travel trade, so that

visitors can plan their own hiking itineraries at ease.

4.2.2 Roles of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

According to AFCD, their vision is to see the community enjoy a reliable and plentiful supply of safe and high quality fresh food and a well managed natural environment that can pass on to the future generations. It shows that AFCD value the sustainable development. So one of the missions that relevant to ecotourism is to conserve the natural environment and safeguard the ecological integrity. Therefore,

Hong Kong Geopark is governed by AFCD.

In the major part of country and marine parks and nature conservation, the aim is to conserve flora, fauna and natural habitats; to indicate and manage country parks, special areas, marine parks and marine reserves; and to control international trade in endangered species of animals and plants in Hong Kong.

In ‘Great Outdoors Hong Kong!’ campaign, AFCD has joined with Friends of the

Country Parks in organizing two hiking activities for local residents on 12 December

2010 and 9 January 2011.

Table 3 AFCD’s responsibility

1. To manage and protect country parks, special areas, marine parks and marine reserves under the Country Parks Ordinance and the Marine Parks Ordinance for the purpose of nature conservation, recreation, tourism and education 2. To enhance the biodiversity and promote compatible use of country and marine parks 3. To identify sites of high scientific value for listing as Sites of Special Scientific Interest 4. To provision nature conservation advice on development proposals, planning studies and environmental impact assessments 5. To monitor and audit ecological mitigation measures for development projects 6. approved under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance 7. To promote public awareness of nature conservation and enforcement of nature conservation legislation 8. To control licensing of international trade in endangered species and curbing of illegal trade in endangered species in Hong Kong 9. To conserve and manage the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site 10. To plan and develop the Hong Kong Wetland Park

Source: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

4.3 Environmental impacts of developing ecotourism

The ecotourism sites like country parks showcase the region's ecology, natural habitats, flora and fauna. And they offer enormous benefits to people, offering

beautiful scenery, rural heritage, recreation and nature based experiences. The development can bring positive or negative impacts to Hong Kong.

4.3.1 Ecology

Through ecotourism development, the ecosystem of Hong Kong is well-conserved.

There are hundreds of rare species that can be found in Hong Kong ecosystem. The development of the Wetland Park enhances the ecological function of the EMA to a world-class conservation, education and tourism facility (Hong Kong Wetland Park,

2011). It has recorded over 210 species of birds, like Grey Heron and Little Egret, 40 species of dragonflies, like Pale-spotted Emperor and Pied Percher, 130 species of butterflies, like Peacock Pansy and Grey Pansy, and other wild animals and aquatic plants. The Wetland Park demonstrates the diversity of Hong Kong's wetland ecosystem and highlights the need to conserve them.

Tung Ping Chau Marine Park also possesses 64 species of stony coral out of 84 species. Besides stony corals, over 130 reef-associated fishes and more than 200 species of marine invertebrates are found in the Marine Park. Meanwhile, Tung Ping

Chau Marine Parks also records rich in diversity of seaweed. Over 65 species of marine algae could be found in Tung Ping Chau Marine Park.

However, some ecotourism activities caused irrecoverable consequence.

Dolphin-watching is a famous ecotourism activity in Hong Kong. The dolphins

appear in Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. In 2003, there was a trend of

watching dolphins and it was a huge potential threat for ecotourism. According to the

‘news.gov.hk’ (2003), more than 8,000 people joined the dolphin-watching tour in

May and June that year, which was seven times of April. In one day, up to 30 vessels had carried out these activities. Some boats moving very close to other vessels that were dangerous, there were ships passing dolphins, seriously interfered with the lives of dolphins. Noise caused by vessels interferences the direction and communication capabilities of dolphins, more dolphins were cut by vessel's propeller, or even killed;

with dolphin watching vessels increased, the situation is more serious.

To prevent deterioration, the government regulates the operators of dolphin-watching must adhere to the “Wild Animals Protection Ordinance” (Chapter 170) and “Marine

Parks Ordinance”. Also, AFCD establishes ‘Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching

Activities’ for both visitors and operators to make sure them watch from a distance, do not seek to feed, touch or harm dolphins.

4.3.2 Noise impact

The industry is increasingly coming under pressure because the visitors continuously

participate in ecotourism activities without well-educated. The result of experience

nature can be harmful. They made a lot of actions which are injurious to wildlife. For visitors, they bring along their mobile phones with ring tones and the cameras with flash light and shutter. These are the products come up with the electronics development, and the wildlife cannot get with it so it is being frightened and nervous through a sudden sound. Moreover, people in groups talk loudly. It is very hard for many people to keep quiet. People are not aware of being quite and experience the

nature with eyes and heart. For tour operators, they use loudspeakers and make

serious noise pollution.

4.3.3 Waste impact

Although the notices are put around in ecotourism sites, tourists still litter and

discharge pollution. The government announced that from 2005 to 2008, there were

ninety people who were being prosecuted because of littering. However, at present,

only 23 staff of the AFCD is responsible for patrol of marine parks and the marine

reserve, as well as enforcement of the relevant legislation. The human resources of

enforcement cannot cope with the large visitors’ amount during weekends.

Furthermore, the report of AFCD showed the litter collected in country parks per year is rising. It revealed the figure increase from 3200 metric ton of 2005 to 3400 metric ton of 2010. Even though there is a slight increase, the pressure of waste for the parks will be heavy in long term development.

4.4 Sustainable development

4.4.1 Carrying capacity

Managing the carry capacity is vital to sustain ecotourism. It main idea ‘is that environmental factors set limits on the population that an area can sustain. When these limits are exceeded, the quality of the environment suffers and ultimately, its ability to support that population’ (Stankey, 1991; 12). Carrying capacity shifts to season, factors such as tourists’ behavioral patterns, facility design and management, the host community (Neil & Wearing, 1999). There is no official visitors limit in ecotourism sites such as Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, visitors amount varies from dozens to hundreds of people between weekdays and weekends. As no regulation is set in these sites, tour operators continuously pour visitors into the protected area to make the maximum profit. It makes the sites overcrowded.

According to the department spokesman of Hong Kong Wetland Park, “the

announcement will be made if the 2,500 daily group tickets have sold out to avoid overcrowding, which will lessen the enjoyment, people are advised to visit the park another day”. This is a good practice to manage carrying capacity.

4.4.2 Education

No natural resource can be effectively managed without the support and backing of its users (Neil & Wearing, 1999). The ecotourists and ecotour operators are the main users of resources. Aim at educating ecotourists; the Hong Kong Wetland Park and

Geopark Park have been allocated many resources to implant the concept of sustainable development. For instance, Rock Classroom is an activity that students can learn about the major rock types, characteristics, formation of various kinds of landforms in Hong Kong and increases their awareness of the importance of geo-conservation. Hong Kong Wetland Park organizes ‘Wetlands Walk: Guided Tour on Aquatic Plants’ every Wednesday and Friday to take a closer look at aquatic plants and water-side plants.

Moreover, the recognition and professionalism of ecotour guides direct influence the conservation of resources. They perform an important role to educate the tourists.

There are many ecotour guide programmes in non-governmental circles and their

quality varies. The course content and requirement differ from the organizations and

no standard to measure the quality of the course and participants. This leads to the

disruption of ecotourism because the tourists cannot receive the correct attitude

towards ecotourism. They only focus on the needs of ecotourists and ignore the

conservation of natural resources. The work done by the government to standardize

the quality of programme is insufficient. Due to only the government can make this job done, it is necessary to adopt an accreditation system to recognize the professionals.

Chapter 5 Recommendations & Conclusion

5.1 Regular compile statistics on ecotourism

According to HKTB, the statistics cover the visitor arrivals base on long-haul,

short-haul and mainland China market. Also, HKTB emphasizes the MICE and

mainland arrivals because these two categories have a large room of growth, and the

income generated by them is hundreds of millions. Therefore, the statistics of them

are up to the minute. Since ecotourism is not the major tourism development in Hong

Kong, so the statistics related to the industry are out of time. The percentage of

tourists who are interested in ecotourism was conducted on 2001. The statistic only reflects a part of the big picture, and the circumstances change within time. HKTB should conduct a comprehensive statistic of ecotourism every year. First, the visitor

arrivals towards ecotourism should be done to show whether the trend is going up or

down. Moreover, the person-time of ecotourism sites should give out to estimate the

carry capacity. Then, assess the impacts of ecotourism are also important to formulate

a better development plan. For instance, assess the amount of revenue gained from

ecotourism and pollution caused by ecotourism activities.

5.2 Setting an integrated official website about ecotourism activities

HKTB and AFCD are the government bodies that responsible to promote and monitor

ecotourism development. They hold many events every year to draw the attention from local and international tourists. Also, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Hong Kong

Geopark organize various activities related to ecotourism. For example, ‘Great

Outdoors Hong Kong!’ organized by HKTB, Country Park Nature in Touch Education

Programme organized by AFCD, Learning at Wetlands and Geopark Raku Workshop.

It is inconvenient and time consuming to click every website to check the latest activities held by different parties for tourists. HKTB should perform its role of

promoter and hold all parties together, like Japan setting up a website to disseminate

ecotourism. If HKTB can establish an integrated official website that includes all

ecotourism activities with relevant information, tourists are pleased. And these

activities can gain a greater feedback since the accessibility is high.

5.3 Put government in charge of accreditation

Accreditation systems have long been regarded as an effective approach in pursing

real ecotourism (Heo et al, 2009). It is flexible that people can choose diverse ecotour

guide course depends on the cost, content, length and organization of the course.

HKFYG Continuous Learning Centre, Hong Kong Ecotourism & Travel Professional

Training Centre and YMCA also offer ecotour guide programme. However, the

quality and identification of the course are in doubt. So the performance of ecotour

guide varies. For the person who want to become ecotour guide, the government establishes a complete accreditation system for tourist guide who receive and take care travellers visiting Hong Kong, ecotour guide accreditation system should refer to the one belongs to tourist guide. Tour operators should screen the certificate while choosing tour guide. About the course, the government should identity which one is being recognized to ensure the participants can get well knowledge.

Table 4 Application requirements for Tourist Guide

1. 18 years old or above;

2. Holders of the Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, or holders of the Hong Kong Identity Card who are not subject to any condition of stay;

3. Form 5 graduates or equivalent, or above (applicants with one or more than one year's tour-guiding experience may apply for exemption);

4. Holding certificates recognised by the TIC and passing the relevant examinations ;

5. Holders of a valid first aid certificate or attendance certificate issued by one of the following six institutions: the Hong Kong Red Cross, the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Auxiliary Medical Service, The Hong Kong Life Saving Society, the Hong Kong Police and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department; or having attended the TIC’s first aid talk;

6. Signing of a declaration stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to be a tourist guide, and that there is no other reason that will cause the TIC to consider him/her not fit and proper to be a tourist guide; and

7. Declaration of any criminal conviction in Hong Kong or elsewhere in accordance with the Declaration Form provided by the TIC.

Source: Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong

5.4 Reinforce the concept of sustainable development

Hong Kong is a small place where keep lots of aspect of ecotourism, like marine, rock,

animals and plants, all of them are world-class standard. No matter what experience

the tourists expected, the ecotourism of Hong Kong can fulfill their expectation.

However, to sustain ecotourism, the cooperation between the government, tourists, tour operators and local communities is significant. The government needs to advertise more and make definite action of different stakeholders. They need to know the importance of conversation because ecotourism is not to consume the natural resources. They should enjoy the nature with performing their responsibility such as do not disturb and scare the animals. Advertisement and poster can be publicized on

TV and ecotourism sites respectively. Moreover, the government should estimate the carrying capacity and strictly implement it in every ecotourism sites. The well management of carrying capacity can keep the resources in a good condition.

Consequently, ecotourism can get sustainable development.

5.5 Conclusion

Hong Kong has successfully positioned itself as the top tourist destination in Asia, at

the same time, it also develop the ecotourism as an alternative tourism. The main

government bodies that operate and control the industry are HKTB and AFCD. The

major duty of HKTB is to disseminate the attractiveness of Hong Kong natural

environment to locals and visitors from all around the world. HKTB organized

various events to highlight diverse aspect of natural such as countries parks, marine

parks and bird-watching. AFCD also set up the Country and Marine Parks Branch to conserve and promote important marine and terrestrial fauna and flora. Hong Kong

Geopark is under the management of AFCD. Although they enrich the diversity of ecotourism, the official statistics are not in step with the fast growth of visitor numbers and the latest one was conducted on 2001. The visitors profile was done by

The Democratic Party on 2004 and a latest one should be conducted to reveal the

situation at present.

Due to the development of ecotourism, the diversity of ecology can be preserved in a

good condition. Hong Kong Geopark serves to conserve the unique landforms and

landscapes in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Wetland Park demonstrates the diversity of the

Hong Kong's wetland ecosystem. Marine parks aim to protect the diverse marine life

that is threatened by the pollution. Simultaneously, the ecotourists are doing things to

harm the wildlife and environment. They disturb the wildlife with inappropriate

visitors’ behaviors like noise, rubbish, flash light, chasing and catching. These actions

break the balance between wildlife and human. It the trend going on like this, the

ecotourism will be collapsed in short time.

Therefore, education is important to sustain ecotourism. Ecotourists and tour guides

should value the resources. To achieve this goal, the government needs to indicate the

roles of each stakeholder and provides appropriate information for users. The carrying

capacity is another tool to manage the sites. This way can determine the capacity of an

area’s natural environment. And keep the condition for next person who interested in

enjoying the nature.

Hong Kong has been developed mass tourism for many years and the outcome is satisfactory. Not only the tourist arrivals are rising every year, but also the total

spending. If the government can put the same afford to develop ecotourism, set up comprehensive policies and strategies including reinforce the accreditation system and sustainable development, establish an integrated website and regular review the process of development.

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