As an avid hiker, I am quite amazed by Hong Kong's multi-faceted landscape contained in such a small territory of just over 1,000 square kilometers. That the city is not just a concrete jungle is about the best kept secret only known to us locals. In fact, less than 20 percent of the SAR is built up area, and the rest is densely foliated and mountainous countryside within half-an-hour's travel from any part of the city.

But, as laymen, few of us realize that we are living in a city that is also geologically gifted. A 49-square-kilometer area in Hong Kong is now being designated China's 183rd national geopark. The site, which hosts one of the world's biggest collections of hexagonal rock columns formed by volcanic activity 140 million years ago, is expected soon to be elevated from its national status to UNESCO World Heritage status, which will once more put Hong Kong on the map.

Geoparks everywhere are for people to enjoy, as part of the now fashionable eco-tourism. Chief Executive Donald Tsang vowed during the officiating ceremony to redouble efforts to preserve and promote our geopark to the rest of the world. Ten trails have been developed in the geopark to facilitate visitors. In addition to the Maclehose Trail, Wilson Trail, and Hong Kong Trail, we now have an additional Geopark Trail. Good news for hikers.

However, the natural environment and tourism usually do not mix. A large number of tourists will invariably harm the environment. That is why public access to the Mai Po wetland is strictly restricted. While we cannot apply the same to our hiking trails, we do not want to see them become another Mong Kok on holidays either. Take a look at the amount of garbage collected every Saturday and Sunday in our country parks and the number of hill fires every year, and you will understand my misgivings.

Preservation and promotion is therefore a contradiction. As a natural heritage, by definition it has to be preserved for posterity. If we do not pay enough attention to preserving it, like some World Heritage sites on the mainland and elsewhere in the world, the global designation would be likely to be withdrawn. Like natural wonders everywhere, the geopark is for everybody. Visitors are most welcome, but we do not have to make an additional effort to promote it to attract outsiders and their money.

Commercialism is out-of-bounds here, as heritage is something money cannot buy. Tourism Development Board, please take your hands off this natural treasure.

The author is a member of the Commission on Strategic Development

(HK Edition 11/12/2009 page1)