TrailWatch
Enjoy. Share. Protect
TrailWatch is the first mobile application in Hong Kong to combine the preservation of nature with the joy of hiking in Hong Kong’s scenic Country Parks. The app was developed to fulfill several objectives: it is a conservation tool that empowers users to report possible misuses of trails and parks, such as waste dumping and littering; and it is also a way to enhance hiking experiences by making it easy and convenient to share route information and photos on social media. In other words, TrailWatch is as useful as it is fun!
The TrailWatch can be used on both iOS and Android phones. It encourages social inclusion and civic responsibility with the aim to make Hong Kong’s rich countryside more beautiful and productive for everyone’s enjoyment.
Enjoy
One of the most unique aspects of Hong Kong is its urban density. Out of its 1,108 sq km of land, the countryside accounts for 75% of its total, with 40% designated as country park areas. Meanwhile, public open space remains limited. Country park areas are mostly located near urban areas and are quickly and easily accessible via public transportation.
Hong Kong’s Country Parks have a lot to offer. In addition to breathtaking views, lush woodlands and sandy beaches, access to these natural resources is free. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Paths accommodate both novice strollers and professional hikers, the old and the young—regardless of race, economic status or gender. In addition to their natural splendor, Country Parks offer respite from vehicular emissions in the city, and provide numerous health benefits through simple exercise that anyone can do.
To fully reap the many rewards of Country Parks, people must enjoy them safely. Hikers can get lost; they can fall and become injured; they can get dehydrated or sick. For those unfamiliar with the plethora of paths and trails, routes should be planned ahead of the event. Hikers should know their bodies, fitness levels and limits. New hikers should stay in a group and all hikers should check weather forecasts before setting out. Carrying adequate hydration and high-calorie snacks for energy is important on long routes. Warning signs along the way should always be heeded.
Share
Hike with a purpose. Share the experience and the responsibility. Report misuse and enjoy. The TrailWatch app combines the latest in mobile phone capabilities and is customised for Hong Kong users. With its map features, the app allows route planning, sharing and on-the-trail navigation. It also tracks the distance travelled or yet to be covered, altitude and gradient.
Smartphones now come with high-resolution cameras. TrailWatch allows time and location stamping, and captions for photos taken during a hike. Share photos instantly via social media with friends, family and fans. Make lasting memories by showcasing your experiences— whether it is of a special route, panoramic views, flowers, trees, rock formations, war ruins, insects or just your group of hiking buddies.
Hiking as a form of regular exercise is beneficial to health, especially for the elderly. To encourage regular activity, TrailWatch allows users to log the distance traversed and the altitude achieved, as well as the calories burned. This information can be aggregated over time to encourage self-discipline, mutual support or even friendly competition.
Hiking in a peaceful and calm environment brings out the best in people. Frequent pleasantries, such as the friendly good morning greeting “joh sahn”, are more likely to be exchanged on the trails than on the urban pavement. And hikers are always ready to support one another by providing directions or sharing provisions.
TrailWatch maintains a photo library of images that are governed by Creative Commons licenses. This means that they are free to use and share for educational uses and non-commercial projects, with appropriate attribution. Only photos, information and data that are shared publicly on the TrailWatch platform will be available under this license. Upload your Country Park shots and your entry might just be chosen as the “Mountain Moment” of the month.
Protect
Hong Kong’s Country Parks are the envy of every modern metropolis. They must be treasured and protected. The government has yet to put in place any plans for managing these irreplaceable natural resources, so it is up to the people of Hong Kong to ensure that they remain beautiful and accessible to all.
The principles of “Leave No Trace”, which provide guidance on how to enjoy the natural world in a sustainable way, must be applied. “Leave No Trace” is a set of outdoor ethics developed to promote conservation and refers to how people interact with the outdoors in relation to activities, ecosystems and environments. Its principles encourage people to create minimal impact on the land while still enjoying nature’s bounties and includes tenets such as proper waste disposal, respect for wildlife and respect for other visitors. Some hikers adhere vigilantly to these tenets, going so far as to pick up rubbish discarded by others, and help repair damaged hiking paths. TrailWatch encourages more people to adopt these principles in maintaining our Country Parks.
Protecting the Country Parks is every citizen’s responsibility, particularly now in Hong Kong, when the pressure of development constantly threatens our natural landscape. TrailWatch lets you hike with a purpose. Its “Incident Reporting” function enables you to take pictures of suspicious activities—waste dumping, tree cutting, the illegal use of concrete and other infractions. The app automatically identifies and records the locations where such incidents are reported. Once submitted, TrailWatch will relay the incidents to concern groups or relevant authorities for action.
Country Parks are Hong Kong’s most valuable asset. They should be cherished and nurtured, not just for their natural beauty, but also because they are socially inclusive, provide both mental and physical health benefits, and can be enjoyed year-round. TrailWatch aims to make the Country Park experience more rewarding and rich with the goal of preserving the best parts of Hong Kong for the enjoyment of all.