ENG-2015 — Page 278

Chapter 14

The Environment

The government is committed to enhancing the quality of the environment. Priorities in 2015 included improving air quality, implementing a solid waste management policy, improving harbour water quality, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and combating 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. More than 500 sq km of 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, including the air quality. The impact of air pollution in the Pearl River Delta region. also needs to be addressed.

Environmental protection is a major priority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Stepping up action to improve air quality as well as water quality in Victoria Harbour, managing municipal solid waste better through sustainable use of resources, promoting energy efficiency and strengthening regional co-operation are important for improving the territory's quality of life and are government priorities.

Administrative Framework

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD), under the Environment Bureau, has overall responsibility for protecting the environment, including 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 waste disposal, and promotes environmental management, auditing and reporting. It also promotes environmental awareness in the community. The EPD receives professional support from several government departments and advice from the Advisory Council on the Environment, which comprises 22 members appointed by the Chief Executive, including representatives from non-governmental environmental organisations, business groups, academic institutions and professional bodies.

The bureau's Energy Division oversees Hong Kong's energy policy to provide reliable supplies of energy at reasonable prices and promote their economical and safe use while minimising the

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