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Chapter 14

The Environment

The Environment Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department are committed to enhancing the quality of the environment. During the year, their focus was on tackling air pollution, implementing a policy framework for managing municipal solid waste, pursuing progressive implementation of Stage 2A of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and tackling climate change.

Hong Kong, with a paltry 1 104 square kilometres of land, is home to some 7 million people. But it is also one of the world's largest trading economies. Its steep mountains allow it only 225 square kilometres on which to put up buildings for people to live in and to work in. Strict control over urban development is, therefore, imperative. Over 400 square kilometres of the remaining land that is not built on are designated as 'protected areas'. These include country parks, special areas and conservation zones. Understandably, the heavy concentration of people and activities in a small area strains the environment, particularly the air in it. Hong Kong is also increasingly affected by air pollution in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.

Environmental protection is a major policy area for the Third Term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The policy initiative is important for the building of a quality city and a quality life for local citizens, as explained by the Chief Executive in his 2007 Policy Address. Tackling air pollution, stepping up action to improve water quality in Victoria Harbour, better managing municipal solid waste, promoting energy efficiency and strengthening further regional cooperation continue to be a government priority. Through the 'I love Hong Kong! I love green!' campaign activities, the public is encouraged to make a change in various aspects of daily living and to nurture a greener and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Administrative Framework

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD), under the Environment Bureau, has overall responsibility for protecting the environment, which includes nature conservation. It executes environmental policies, vets environmental planning and assessment findings, enforces and reviews environmental laws, plans and develops facilities for liquid and solid

solid waste disposal, and promotes environmental