Hong Kong Joins China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines in Urging Better Protection as Greenpeace Alerts Environmental Risks Due to Tourism Surge in Sai Kung Country Park in 2026: All You Need to Know

The surge in tourism at Sai Kung Country Park in 2026 has prompted Greenpeace to alert about the environmental risks arising from overcrowding. As Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, join efforts, better protection is urgently needed to preserve this natural gem from the growing pressures of mass tourism.

In 2026, Sai Kung Country Park in Hong Kong experienced a surge in tourism, drawing attention from environmental advocates like Greenpeace, who have raised alarms about the growing environmental risks. The park, known for its pristine beaches, rugged trails, and diverse wildlife, has become a hotspot for both local and international visitors, especially from Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. While the influx of tourists is beneficial for the local economy, it also brings significant environmental challenges. Increased footfall has led to waste buildup, habitat degradation, and threats to biodiversity. In response, Hong Kong, along with other countries, has joined the call for better protection of the park, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and sustainable tourism practices. Greenpeace has highlighted the urgency of addressing the environmental risks posed by overtourism, urging authorities to implement measures that will balance visitor enjoyment with the preservation of Sai Kung’s unique ecosystems. This collaboration between nations underscores the global concern for protecting Hong Kong’s natural heritage for future generations.

Why Sai Kung Country Park Is So Popular

Sai Kung’s appeal lies in its diverse outdoor offerings — from smooth, sandy beaches and forest‑lined trails to rugged outcrops and waterfront views. Popular locations such as Tai Long Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Sharp Peak, and the scenic segments of the MacLehose Trail draw hikers, campers, beachgoers, and nature photographers.

According to official AFCD resources, these areas provide rare opportunities for residents and tourists alike to explore unspoiled nature in contrast to Hong Kong’s dense urban areas. The park’s scenic value is also reflected within parts of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized for its unique geological structures and coastal landscapes.

Tourism Growth Comes With Environmental Concerns

While the scenic beauty of Sai Kung boosts its popularity, the sudden increase in footfall over recent months has led to mounting environmental pressures. Visitor numbers now regularly exceed what some park facilities were designed to handle. This has resulted in waste buildup, overflowing rubbish bins, trampling of vegetation, and unregulated campfires in sensitive areas.

In response, Greenpeace East Asia and other environmental advocates have raised alarms about the threat this overtourism presents to habitats and biodiversity. They warn that unmanaged visitor activities can stress soil, damage plant life, and disturb wildlife — undermining the ecological integrity that the park was intended to protect.

Hong Kong’s official environmental policy emphasizes responsible park use, and the AFCD often stresses that visitors should follow principles of “Leave No Trace” while enjoying park facilities. The department also enforces regulations under the Country Parks Ordinance, which prohibit littering, illegal fires, and other harmful conduct in protected areas.

Government Regulations and Park Management

Sai Kung Country Park is governed under Hong Kong’s Country Parks Ordinance and related legal frameworks, which set out guidelines for recreational use alongside conservation responsibilities. The AFCD issues permits for camping and oversees trail upkeep and visitor education. Visitors are encouraged to respect posted park rules and abide by safety notices, especially during peak periods.

Legal penalties exist for violating country park regulations, including fines for littering or unauthorised environmental impact. According to Hong Kong government fact sheets, fines can be significant for repeat offences or severe violations, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting these natural assets.

Government sources also emphasize that park management includes proactive measures such as trail maintenance, waste removal, ranger patrols, and public education campaigns. These efforts aim to balance visitor enjoyment with preservation of sensitive ecosystems.

Calls for Enhanced Visitor Management

Despite legal frameworks and park stewardship efforts, environmental organizations argue that current approaches are insufficient in the face of surging demand. They advocate for additional measures such as:

• Visitor caps or reservation systems at particularly busy sites;
• Improved waste management infrastructure at beaches and trailheads;
• Stronger transport coordination to better distribute visitor pressure;
• More educational outreach encouraging responsible behavior.

These recommendations align with sustainable tourism strategies seen in protected areas worldwide, emphasizing the need to manage visitation without undermining conservation goals.

How Visitors Can Help Protect Sai Kung’s Environment

As part of sustained efforts to preserve the park, environmental advocates and government experts alike recommend that visitors:

• Plan ahead and check AFCD guidance before traveling to park sites;
• Carry out all rubbish and avoid leaving waste behind;
• Minimize impacts on vegetation and wildlife by staying on marked trails;
• Avoid making open fires or damaging campsites outside designated areas;

By adopting responsible habits, visitors can help ensure that Sai Kung’s natural beauty remains intact for future generations.

The surge in tourism at Sai Kung Country Park in 2026 has raised significant environmental concerns in China. Greenpeace has sounded the alarm over the increasing strain on the park’s ecosystems, highlighting the risks of overcrowding and environmental degradation. As visitor numbers from China and beyond continue to rise, stronger conservation efforts are essential. Greenpeace urges better protection of this natural area through stricter regulations, better waste management, and sustainable tourism practices. Balancing the influx of tourists with the preservation of the park’s unique ecosystems is crucial to ensuring that Sai Kung remains a vital and protected destination for future generations.

Balancing Outdoor Enjoyment With Nature Protection

The rising influx of visitors to Sai Kung Country Park in 2026 highlights the dual challenge of fostering public access to nature while safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas. As tourism grows, constructive collaboration between government bodies, environmental organizations, and park users will be essential in creating sustainable solutions.

Ultimately, the goal is to maintain Sai Kung’s reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most treasured natural landscapes, not just as a recreational destination but as a protected ecosystem whose beauty and biodiversity endure.

The surge in tourism at Sai Kung Country Park in 2026 has prompted Greenpeace to alert environmental risks, urging better protection. With growing footfall, stricter visitor management and sustainable practices are vital to preserve the park’s fragile ecosystems.

Conclusion: What is Being Done

Hong Kong joins China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, in urging better protection of Sai Kung Country Park due to the environmental risks caused by the tourism surge in 2026. The park’s unique natural beauty, from its beaches to forest trails, has attracted an increasing number of visitors. However, this growth has resulted in mounting pressures on the park’s ecosystems, including waste buildup, habitat disturbance, and damage to vegetation. Greenpeace and environmental advocates have raised alarms about the detrimental effects of overtourism, emphasising that the park’s ecological integrity is at risk.

Countries like Hong Kong, along with China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, are now calling for stronger measures to balance tourism with conservation efforts. With proper management, including visitor caps, improved waste management, and better infrastructure, it is possible to protect the park’s natural heritage. These nations understand the need for sustainable tourism practices to ensure that Sai Kung Country Park remains a vital destination for future generations. The collaboration between governments, environmental groups, and park users is crucial to finding a solution that preserves the park while allowing people to experience its beauty responsibly.

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