Chief Executive John Lee pledged on Tuesday to step up conservation efforts as the government looks to formulate regulations to better protect Hong Kong's countryside amid concerns of ecological damage caused by overtourism.

The pledge came in the wake of reports that visitors had been capturing marine organisms, trampling on corals and cooking on the beach at Sharp Island in Sai Kung during the National Day Golden Week holiday.

Lee said the SAR would work to promote tourism while taking steps to protect the environment.

"Relevant departments are assessing the capacity of different popular countryside locations to put in place management measures and regulations," he said.

"They are also looking into transport arrangements in various spots for long-term planning.

"The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is conducting a comprehensive study on the possibility of including important ecological sites as marine parks."

Lee went to say the administration would better promote environmental protection among tourists, put up more warning signs, and crack down on unlawful acts.