Environmental Group Disbands as Hong Kong Reclamation Law Tightens

A significant environmental organization in Hong Kong, the Society for Protection of the Harbour (SPH), announced its disbandment on August 1, 2023. This decision follows decades of advocacy against large-scale land reclamation projects threatening Victoria Harbour. The group cited a new law that diminishes oversight on such developments as a key factor in its closure.

The recent amendments to the land reclamation regulations have concentrated authority within government sectors, which SPH argues contravenes essential public law principles. Despite submitting legal recommendations to the authorities, the organization received no acknowledgment prior to the bill’s passage in May 2023. This legislative change has been criticized for reducing transparency and public engagement in environmental decision-making processes.

Impact on Civil Society

SPH’s disbandment represents a broader decline in civil society’s influence in Hong Kong, particularly since the introduction of a sweeping national security law in 2020. The law has resulted in the arrests and exile of numerous pro-democracy activists and has led to the dissolution of various organizations. In a statement to the pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn acknowledged encountering “soft resistance” during the amendment discussions, a term frequently used to refer to ideological opposition.

Linn specifically referenced a social media post from SPH that warned of the dangers posed by ongoing reclamation initiatives. The Development Bureau recognized SPH’s contributions to harbor affairs but defended the new regulations, stating that they have strengthened control over large-scale reclamation activities in Victoria Harbour.

Future Aspirations

In its farewell message, SPH expressed hope that Victoria Harbour would one day be designated a “National Treasure of China.” The organization emphasized the importance of safeguarding the harbor for the benefit of both present and future generations. Their closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by environmental advocates in Hong Kong, where governance and public participation are increasingly constrained.

As the landscape for civil society continues to evolve, the implications of this disbandment extend beyond environmental concerns, reflecting a significant shift in the political and social fabric of Hong Kong.