ENG-2010 — Page 334

280 The Environment

In April 2008, the two sides launched a five-year Cleaner Production Partnership Programme to encourage and help more than 56 000 Hong Kong owned factories in the PRD region to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices. In January 2010, its scope was expanded to provide professional advice and technical support in the treatment and reduction of effluent discharges. By improving energy efficiency and implementing emission reduction measures, Hong Kong-owned factories can make a positive contribution to improving the region's environmental quality. Up to the end of 2010, over 1 000 funding applications had been approved. In addition, the two sides jointly launched the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme in August 2009 to recognise the efforts of Hong Kong- owned enterprises in pursuing cleaner production. By the end of 2010, a total of 166 enterprises had received the commendation.

To strengthen this collaboration further, the two sides are undertaking a joint study on the post-2010 air emission reduction arrangements for the region. On the water quality front, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are jointly implementing action programmes to reduce pollution of the adjoining water bodies, including Deep Bay and Mirs Bay. Both sides are conducting a joint review of the regional water quality management strategy for Mirs Bay. Meanwhile, the EPD commissioned a three-year joint study with Guangdong in early 2010 to evaluate the carrying capacity of the water bodies in the Pearl River Estuary. This will provide the two governments with solid scientific bases for devising management plans and strategies for controlling water pollution in the Pearl River Estuary.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen, meanwhile, are working together closely to encourage the adoption of cleaner production practices by Hong Kong-owned factories in Shenzhen. Both sides will also enhance co-operation in the areas of promoting development of clean energy, green transportation and environmental service business. In addition, exchanges between Hong Kong and Macao are taking place in areas such as air quality monitoring, environmental infrastructure management and public awareness programmes.

In addition, the HKSAR, Guangdong Province and Macao authorities are working together to formulate a Regional Co-operation Plan on Quality Living Area. The three sides will seek to widen collaboration efforts to address the environmental issues facing the PRD region, with a view to enhancing the living quality of the PRD region, and achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Climate Change

Climate change has become one of the most important challenges to the international community. In September 2010, the Government launched a public consultation on Hong Kong's climate change strategy and action agenda. A carbon intensity reduction target of 50-60 per cent by 2020, as compared with 2005 level, was proposed. An action agenda comprising measures to maximise energy efficiency and green road transport; to promote use of clean fuels for motor vehicles; to turn waste into energy; and to revamp fuel mix for electricity generation were also