XN000022-1995-10-06 — Page 4

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A substantial grant has also been made to a number of green groups to undertake 16 projects to encourage public participation in activities that will sustain the local environment. Other community groups received an allocation of about $0.7 million to undertake 46 environmental projects.

Grants have also been made in support of research by green groups and tertiary institutions to enhance the protection and conservation of biodiversity in Hong Kong.

Of the 91 projects approved by ECF, three were jointly funded with the Woo Wheelock Green Fund, a private fund established by Wheelock and Company Ltd.

Mr Leung said: "Mr Woo and Wheelock has set a precedent for people and organisations in the private sector to follow. I hope more people will show support to such a worthwhile cause that will benefit not only people in Hong Kong, but the future generations."

Mr Woo said: "Based on experience gained in the first year, the ECF Committee, in the next phase of work, will focus attention on projects that will help identify and solve pressing issues such as conservation of biodiversity, marine conservation and promotion of environmentally friendly personal or business practices.

"It remains our aim to support local efforts that will promote changes in behaviour and lifestyle towards a better environment in Hong Kong.

"In line with the government's policy, the Committee likes to see improvement in air and water quality, reduction in noise pollution, minimisation of waste,... conservation of biodiversity and energy conservation, all of which aimed at improving our quality of life," Mr Woo said.

To encourage more groups to come forward to apply, ECF will streamline the application procedure.

The application form is being amended to include the strategic objectives of the Fund and guidelines on budget preparation, taking into account feedback from applicants in the past year. The revised form will be available later this year.

Meanwhile, the current application form will continue to be available from the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch, the Environmental Protection Department and District Offices.

End/Friday, October 6, 1995