Hong Kong Fish Farmers in Peril as Northern Metropolis Looms
In the quaint village of San Tin in Hong Kong’s Yuen Long district, change is on the horizon. Lai Kam-dai, a seasoned fish farmer, has been tending to her ponds for nearly four decades. However, the looming threat of the government’s Northern Metropolis development project now casts a shadow over her way of life.
A Legacy Threatened by Progress
As Lai gazes across the Sham Chun River towards the bustling cityscape of Shenzhen, she is reminded of the stark transformation that could soon engulf her own community. With the proposed development project set to pave the way for a modern urban landscape akin to its mainland counterpart, the future of San Tin hangs in the balance.
For Lai and her neighbors, many of whom are tenant farmers and pond operators, the specter of compulsory land acquisition looms large. This impending displacement strikes a chord with Lai, who has already weathered the storm of development once before.
A Tale of Resilience and Adaptation
Lai’s journey as a fish farmer traces back to her humble beginnings in Tin Shui Wai, where her family eked out a living through fish farming. The transition to San Tin in the face of governmental development marked a new chapter for her, one defined by the intricacies of integrated farming and the delicate balance between tradition and progress.
Despite facing setbacks such as the outlawing of her sustainable farming practices and the inundation of imported goods in the market, Lai perseveres with the help of her family and community. Their collaborative efforts epitomize the spirit of resilience that underpins the fabric of San Tin.
A Race Against Time
As architects and researchers from the University of Hong Kong strive to innovate and preserve the ecological heritage of the fish ponds, the impending reality of the Northern Metropolis development poses a pressing challenge. The delicate dance between conservation and progress unfolds against the backdrop of a changing landscape, where the fate of generations-old traditions hangs in the balance.
With the clock ticking towards the irrevocable loss of their homes and way of life, Lai Kam-dai, her husband Chan Kwok-sun, and others like them stand at a crossroads. As they grapple with the inevitability of change, the echoes of their cultural legacy reverberate through the tranquil waters of San Tin, a poignant reminder of a way of life on the brink of extinction.
