Understanding the transformation of a traditional agricultural landscape in Hong Kong: a case study of LongValley

Abstract

 Cultural landscapes, as the products of long-term interaction between human and nature, have been increasingly recognized by different international bodies for their importance in heritage conservation. However, cultural landscapes usually do not enjoy specific protection and are subject to most dynamic landscape changes in modern society that impair the significance. The traditional agricultural areas in the New Territories, display unique features of organically evolved cultural landscape in Hong Kong, have disappeared in drastic rate in recent decades. Long Valley, as one of the remarkable local example of traditional agricultural landscape, was studied to illustrate the spatial and landownership transformation connected with socio-economical transition over the last century. Aerial photos comparison and Geographic Information System (GIS) were employed, and stakeholders’ interviews were conducted to aid landscape analysis.

The significance of Long Valley is embodied in the setting, natural features, resources of land and cultural context associated with the indigenous settlement and farming tradition in Hong Kong. The long history of agriculture by indigenous clans and more recently by tenant farmers defines the major landscape features of Long Valley. The aerial photographs comparison revealed that road widening, river training works, urbanization, industrialization and infrastructure development during 1960s – 1990s caused drastic environmental change and direct loss of farmland area in and surrounding Long Valley.

Combining current cadastral map with historic land plot records shows that the past lots boundaries are still influencing on today’s fieldscape of Long Valley. On the other hand, the landownership pattern of Long Valley is fragmented and complicated, and has changed continuously over the century. Indigenous clans have dominant ownership control of Long Valley but their influence is diminishing. Certain portion of lands has been transferred to developers’ and outsiders’ hands. The complicated and fragmented landownership, however, protects the site from being developed yet.

Although conservation efforts have been paid by local NGOs and the Government, Long Valley is still under threats of illegal dumping and unauthorized land-use change initiated by some indigenous landowners as well as development pressure. Traditional agricultural landscapes represent part of local natural and cultural heritage and are key component of local indigenous identity which should receive proper attention and protection. Therefore, adequate conservation and agricultural policy, effective legislation enforcement and planning control, development of adaptive conservation strategies and engagement of local stakeholders are in urge to safeguard and sustain local traditional agricultural landscapes, as well as other significant rural landscapes in Hong Kong.