Fact Check: New law eases reclamation in Victoria Harbour despite environmentalist objections
What We Know
On May 7, 2025, Hong Kong's Legislative Council passed the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which modifies existing regulations regarding land reclamation in Victoria Harbour. This law aims to streamline the reclamation process, particularly for small-scale projects, while still maintaining a presumption against large-scale reclamations unless certain criteria are met (news.gov.hk). The Development Bureau stated that the amendments would enhance the harbourfront for public enjoyment and allow for better use of harbourfront resources (Hong Kong Free Press).
Despite these assurances, environmental activists have expressed significant concerns regarding the law. They argue that the amendments reduce the legal protections previously afforded to Victoria Harbour, particularly by allowing the city’s leader to have the final say on whether a project meets the “public need” test, rather than the courts (Hong Kong Free Press). Paul Zimmerman, a harbour protection advocate, noted that the level of protection has been diminished and that the concerns regarding the expanded role of the city leader have not been adequately addressed (Hong Kong Free Press).
Analysis
The claim that the new law eases reclamation efforts in Victoria Harbour is supported by multiple sources. The amended ordinance indeed provides a clearer mechanism for reclamations, particularly for small-scale projects that enhance the harbourfront (news.gov.hk). This aligns with the government's narrative that the changes are intended to facilitate development while still adhering to public interest considerations.
However, the concerns raised by environmentalists and advocates must also be considered. Critics argue that the amendments effectively reduce the legal safeguards that previously protected the harbour, allowing for more governmental discretion in reclamation decisions (Hong Kong Free Press). This shift in power from the judiciary to the executive could potentially lead to increased reclamation activities, which environmentalists fear may harm the harbour's ecological integrity (Radio Free Asia).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with news.gov.hk being an official government publication, while Hong Kong Free Press and Radio Free Asia are recognized news outlets that adhere to journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the latter two may carry a degree of bias, particularly in their framing of the government's actions as detrimental to environmental protections.
Conclusion
The claim that a new law eases reclamation in Victoria Harbour despite environmentalist objections is True. The amendments to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance do indeed facilitate reclamation processes, particularly for smaller projects, while also raising concerns about the reduction of legal protections previously in place. The law's passage has sparked significant debate, highlighting the tension between development interests and environmental conservation.