Conservation and Revitalisation Strategies for Historical and Ecological Heritages of Grass Island: A Case Study of a More Than 400 Years of History Island's Sustainability

Proponent: Environmental Association Limited

Site: Tap Mun

Project Description

Tap Mun was once a major fishing hub, with over 2,000 residents living there at its peak, relying on fishing for their livelihood. However, as times changed, villagers gradually moved away, and traditional history and customs were lost. In recent years, Tap Mun has become a popular tourist destination, with a surge in visitor numbers exceeding the island's capacity, leading to various environmental issues.

To protect the precious historical and ecological cultural heritage here, the project organisation conducted various surveys (including engaging with local villagers, conducting oral history interviews, and field studies) to gain an in-depth understanding of Tap Mun’s history, architecture, traditional culture, and biodiversity, and to document the damage caused by over-tourism to these resources. Based on the survey results and referencing relevant cases from other countries, the project organisation developed the "Conservation Management Plan" for Tap Mun and studied the feasibility of establishing a conservation and education centre, setting short-, mid-, and long-term rehabilitation strategies and goals.

Additionally, the project organisation held various public engagement activities, such as public seminars and press conferences, to share research findings, discuss revitalisation plans for Tap Mun, and promote the message of nature conservation.