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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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