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Press Release
8th meeting of JWG on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection held in Guangzhou
The Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group (JWG) on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection held its eighth meeting in Guangzhou today (December 10) during which the two sides considered and reviewed the implementation of environmental co-operation initiatives and further agreed on the work plan for 2008. The meeting noted that good progress had been made on various areas of cooperation.
Both sides have been endeavouring to implement the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan over the past year. Reports on the results of the Air Quality Monitoring Network, which was jointly established by both sides to better inform the public about the regional air quality, for year 2006 and for the first six months of 2007 were released in April and October respectively.
The meeting also considered the progress of the mid-term review of the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan. Both sides were confident of meeting the 2010 emission reduction targets. The findings of the mid-term review will be announced upon the completion of the study report.
On promotion of energy efficiency and cleaner production to industrial enterprises in both places, the two governments signed in August this year the Cooperation Agreement to Promote Energy Efficiency, Cleaner Production and Comprehensive Utilisation of Resources to Enterprises in Hong Kong and Guangdong. The two sides jointly conducted a series of promotion activities, technical exchanges and demonstration projects at industrial enterprises. Achievements have been made with regard to promoting energy savings, more efficient utilisation of resources and reducing pollution amongst enterprises in the region.
The two sides further stepped up co-operation and exchanges on the protection of endangered animal and plant species. A survey of Hong Kong's forestry pests carried out by experts of the Forestry Bureau of Guangdong province was satisfactorily completed. The survey findings showed that overall there was no serious harm caused by pests to woodland in the territory's country parks. The study results would build up both sides' capacity in the control of forestry pests, and help Hong Kong and its vicinity to establish healthy woodland areas.
The two sides exchanged their experiences in respect of the provision and management of marine and fisheries protection areas, as well as research and the work on protection of coral reefs, Chinese white dolphins and artificial reefs. A number of activities had also been jointly carried out, i.e. research on satellite tracking of green turtles, enforcement operations against illegal fishing activities, and making improvement to the notification system on red tide incidents. All of the work contributed to effective marine environmental management and sustainable development in the Pearl River estuary.
Shenzhen and Hong Kong experts have also conducted the first review of the Deep Bay (Shenzhen Bay) Water Pollution Control Joint Implementation Programme. In general, satisfactory progress has been achieved in implementing the pollution control measures. There is, however, a need for further improvement of the water quality in Shenzhen Bay. With the progressive extension and improvement of the sewage infrastructure and completion of sewerage works, it is expected that the pollution levels in Shenzhen Bay will gradually reduce leading to improvement in water quality.
On the protection of the water quality of Dongjiang, the Guangdong Province has implemented various pollution control measures, and agreed to maintain a close liaison with Hong Kong with a view to safeguarding the quality of water supply.
In 2008, the JWG will continue to strengthen and enhance co-operation on environmental protection between the two places. Key areas of work include:
- On regional air quality, which is a concern shared by both sides, efforts will be made to follow up and implement the measures as recommended in the mid-term review of the Regional Air Quality Management Plan. The objective is to strive to meet the 2010 emission reduction targets;
- The two sides will proactively promote energy efficiency and cleaner production to enterprises in both places, and will step up cooperation in the implementation of the five-year Cleaner Production Partnership Programme;
- Both sides will strengthen collaboration in regional water quality protection, and to safeguard the quality of water resources;
- Both sides will proactively implement the Deep Bay (Shenzhen Bay) Water Pollution Control Joint Implementation Programme and follow up the implementation of the water pollution control measures;
- Both sides will continue to implement a series of technical exchanges and training programmes on the conservation of marine resources and animals, as well as afforestation.
Ends/Monday, December 10, 2007
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