Letters | Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail points to untapped tourism potential

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s potential for sustainable eco-tourism, a decline in reading in mainland China, and United Nations reform

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Letters

Published: 11:30am, 25 Feb 2024

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My recent two-day hike along Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail during Lunar New Year left me pleasantly surprised and convinced of the immense, untapped potential that lies in the city’s natural wonders.

Remarkably, the majority of hikers I encountered were mainland tourists who had travelled to Hong Kong with the sole purpose of conquering the full 100km MacLehose Trail, which was hailed as one of the world’s best hikes by the National Geographic. During an encounter with a hiker from Beijing, I learnt that he was dedicating five days to the trail, enticed by diverse landscapes – coastal, urban and natural – that are scarce in his own city. I also discovered the trial’s immense popularity on mainland social platforms such as Xiaohongshu.

Hong Kong is blessed with a wealth of natural assets including 24 country parks, the Unesco Global Geopark and marine parks. These present an extraordinary opportunity to position Hong Kong as a nature-focused destination.

Yet, the capacity of our natural environment should not be overlooked. Preservation of our fragile ecosystem is essential. It is disheartening to witness an increasing amount of litter along the trail, despite the presence of banners urging visitors to “Take your litter home”.

With the upcoming introduction of municipal solid waste charging in August, it is high time for the government to consider how to encourage tourists to reduce waste and take responsibility for it.

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Hiking Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail

One suggestion is to provide free garbage bags at pavilions and kiosks. Furthermore, the feasibility of setting up more filtered water machines to reduce the disposal of plastic bottles can be explored.

With comprehensive planning, Hong Kong’s eco-tourism sector has the potential to create a new global image for the city. Embracing sustainable practices and encouraging responsible tourism will not only preserve Hong Kong’s natural beauty but also offer unforgettable experiences to residents and visitors alike.

Chammie Lo, Quarry Bay

In video-addled China, libraries must promote reading

I refer to the letter, “Why selling old books would be a win-win for libraries and readers” (January 24). A redistribution of old books to the Hong Kong community would indeed be beneficial, offering spiritual enrichment to readers while aiding the renovation of libraries.

On the mainland, there is a concerning decline in the habit of reading books, which has been supplanted by the widespread consumption of short videos. This shift undermines independent thinking.

A closer look at public libraries on the mainland reveals a notable absence of book readers. Many visit primarily to complete tasks such as school assignments, or because they wish to work in a quiet place. During holidays, more people are seen visiting the library for recreational purposes, such as taking photos or immersing themselves and their children in an atmosphere of learning. Those who visit with the sole intention of reading books are increasingly rare.

Consumption of information has largely transitioned from traditional print media to online platforms. The rapid rise of short video platforms has been accompanied by the compression of lengthy literary works into brief summaries, often infused with subjective interpretations. This approach leads viewers to align their thoughts with those of the video creators, thereby inhibiting independent thought and critical analysis. “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes”, but the dominance of short videos in China’s media landscape is gradually eroding these essential critical faculties.

It is imperative for public libraries on the mainland to explore innovative strategies to promote reading.

Henry Yuan, Chengdu

China and others should support UN reform

I refer to “Brazil calls for reform of United Nations as it starts its G20 presidency” (February 22).

The United States’ dominance of the UN Security Council is slowly and surely rendering the UN useless for its four stated purposes of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, solving international problems and promoting respect for human rights, and harmonising the actions of nations.

Countries will have to bravely rally behind Brazil’s call for reform or propose another solution.

Currently, the Security Council has been reduced to political theatre. As one of the permanent five, the US is weakening the Security Council by abusing its veto power and forcing through an extension of its faltering foreign policy.

To rectify the issue, allow more nations veto power or suspend it. Even further, consider halting the US’ participation in the council until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.

Creating equanimity and an effective UN Security Council depends on the need for facilitating aid to Palestine to be greater than the fear of offending the US. Other permanent members such as China, the United Kingdom and France lending support to Brazil’s proposed reform will bolster the chances of the UN fulfilling its four purposes. The UN Security Council should not be the puppet of one nation; it is imperative that it works for the world’s benefit.

Sam Richardson, Clarksburg, Maryland