Perspective Monthly September 2010

NOT IN MY BACKYARD

The phenomenon of 'nimby' — 'not in my back yard' — is not unique to Hong Kong. Essentially, it refers to the indifference most people feel to any kind of injustice or breach (whether legal, political, social or environmental) unless it directly affects them. In Hong Kong, the community is starting to put a new spin on 'nimby'; now, the phrase is starting to mean 'I'm not going to let that happen in my back yard'.

Recently, the Town Planning Board announced the publication of the draft Tai Long Sai Wan development permission area (DPA) plan, following major public outcry upon the discovery that a private developer had begun to construct what Tai Long villagers said was a villa, tennis court and landscaped grounds adjacent to government land — and creating significant pollution and disruption to a pristine beach.

The entire area has been designated as ‘unspecified use’, pending detailed analysis and studies; this means that in the future, any developments in the zone will be regulated by the Town Planning Ordinance. The WWF has been petitioning the government to declare Tai Long Sai Wan a conservation zone, urging a holistic review of the territory’s nature conservation policy together with its overall land policy.

As with the saving of the historic tenements on Wing Lee Street, the community of Hong Kong has had its voice heard, and made an impact on both the urban and rural landscape. This growing sense of ownership and awareness is something to be proud of.