The socio-spatial making and breaking of the rural commons in Hong Kong

Abstract

ABSTRACT Protecting traditional common properties is essential for heritage conservation and fulfilling people’s multifaceted needs without relying solely on the market. This paper argues that the fate of commons is related to the values and dynamics of commoners in response to the long-term and broader socio-economic, political, and spatial development and planning practices at different geographical scales. Specifically, we examine the rural commons, the Tso (zu 祖) Tong (tang 堂) land (TTL), in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The New Territories accounts for over 80% of the city’s land. TTL has been in existence long before the development of the capitalist economy in the city. It was set aside in perpetuity by an ancestor to benefit all male descendants, sustain a clan’s ancestral worship, and provide a safety net for its members. Unanimous consent is required to sell TTL. Whether the rural commons thrive or perish would depend on the resilience of the commoners in resolving internal conflicts and articulating the relevance of their commons to the territories’ broader interests. Integrating the rural commons into territorial development and planning will provide spaces for “possible alternatives” to improve people’s livelihoods and identities as well as the cultural heritage of a place.