ENG-2011 — Page 329

Chapter 14

The Environment

The Environment Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department are committed to enhancing the quality of the environment. During 2011, priority areas included combating air pollution, implementing a solid waste management policy, improving harbour water quality, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and tackling climate change.

Hong Kong, with only 1 104 square kilometres of land, is home to some seven million people. But it is also one of the world's largest trading economies. Its steep mountains allow it about 263 square kilometres on which people live and work. Strict control over urban development is, therefore, imperative. Over 500 square kilometres of the remaining land are designated as 'protected areas'. These include country parks, special areas and conservation zones. Inevitably, the heavy concentration of people and activities in a small area strains the environment, particularly the air. 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 (HKSAR) Government. The policy initiative is important for the building of a quality city and a quality life for local citizens. Tackling air pollution, stepping up action to improve water quality in Victoria Harbour, better management of municipal solid waste, promotion of energy efficiency and further strengthening of regional co-operation continue to be Government priorities. Through activities of an 'I Love Hong Kong! I Love GREEN!' campaign, the public is encouraged to change 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, including nature

including conservation. It executes environmental policies, vets environmental planning and assessment findings, enforces and reviews environmental laws, plans and develops facilities for liquid and solid waste disposal, and promotes environmental

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