Secretary for the Environment KS Wong and Secretary for Development Paul Chan led a 40 member Government team to conduct a shoreline cleanup operation in Shui Hau, Lantau Island, today.
About 127kg of refuse was collected.
To better understand the refuse accumulation pattern in the area, participants sorted and recorded the types of refuse collected.
According to the Marine Refuse Study released by the Inter-departmental Working Group on Clean Shorelines last year, Shui Hau has been identified as one of the 27 priority sites prone to refuse accumulation.
Government departments have since enhanced cleaning at priority sites and implemented various improvement measures.
Mr Wong said marine refuse is not only an eyesore but also impacts the marine environment.
“While government departments will continue cleaning operations, it is crucial for everyone to change habits to keep the shorelines clean, such as avoiding the use of single-use items, properly disposing of waste, or separate and recycle wastes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chan said preserving the natural shoreline and beautiful beaches along South Lantau for public enjoyment is part of the proposed Lantau development strategy.
The Government will explore feasible measures to better conserve and utilise natural resources to enhance their recreational and educational value, he added.
