11. Discuss on the dilemma between urbanization, industrialization and conservation. What are some local examples which illustrate the conflicting interests between economic development and the conservation of the environment.

Conflicts between economic development and conservation

Some people may have the idea that the capacity for economic development is unlimited, because of the vast amount of resources on the Earth, and the ability of humans to overcome resource shortages and environmental problems through science and technology. In other words, they think that unlimited economic growth is sustainable.

However, most environmentalists and a growing number of economists and business leaders believe that unlimited economic growth is not sustainable. They think that as rapid economic development goes on, more and more natural habitats will be destroyed, pollution problems will become increasingly severe, and natural resources will be depleted. These will ultimately i=limit or even inhibit economic development. In other words, economic development should rely on the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

The method of cost-benefit analysis is a useful way to study the relationship between economic development and conservation. The principle is to compare the estimated short-term and long-term impact on the environment with the estimated economic benefits for the society.

Possible solutions to the conflicts between economic development and conservation include:

1. Compromise between conflicting parties in such a way that economic development progresses with minimum damages to the natural environment.

2. Diverting economic development to the improvement of environmental quality.

Examples

There have been cases of conflicts between economic development and conservation in Hong Kong. For example, a few years age, a golf course and a residential area were planned to be established in Sha Lo Tung in the New Territories. Because of the objection of some environmentally concerned groups, the plan was finally withdrawn.

Another example was the conflict between the railway extension project of the Kowloon-Canton Railway and the conservation of the Long Valley wetland. Long valley is a habitat for 210 bird species and also an ecologically important wetland. It has minimal habitat fragmentation, low levels of human disturbance, and a high degree of microhabitat diversity. There had been a plan of KCR to extend the railway system by cutting through Long Valley to facilitate Hong Kong people’s access to China. The proposal was strongly objected by local and international conservative organizations, as well as a number of legislators, who were concerned about the damages to the rare winter habitat for endangered bird species. On the other hand, the villagers of Long Valley stood to fight for their right to be benefited from sale of the land. Finally, KCR was forced to re-plan its railway extension project because of the pressure exerted by environmentalists and the Environmental Protection Department.