Council for Sustainable Development was briefed on the Government's response on the Council's report on Better Air Quality engagement process

Press Release 

Council for Sustainable Development was briefed on the Government's response on the Council's report on Better Air Quality engagement process

The Council for Sustainable Development (SDC) received a briefing on the Government's response to the SDC's report on the Better Air Quality engagement process at its meeting today (October 20). 

The SDC conducted a public engagement process on the air quality from June to October 2007 and submitted its report with recommendations on the way forward to the Government in February 2008 based on the views received.  The Government issued its response on 15 October.

"The Council cannot emphasise enough the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach in effectively improving the air quality.  We note that the Government will, among other things, develop a long-term air quality management strategy for Hong Kong and has commissioned a consultancy study for this purpose as well as for recommending a set of new Air Quality Objectives that will help protect the health of the public from the effect of air pollution.  In this respect, the Council will continue to have dialogue with the Government in achieving better air quality," said SDC Chairman, Dr Edgar Cheng.
   
"The SDC also discussed the proposal to proceed with the next engagement process, on measures to foster a quality and sustainable built environment," said the Chairman. "Members welcomed the proposal given the relevance of the topic to the quality of our living environment," he added.
   
At today's meeting, the SDC also considered the programmes and initiatives undertaken by the SDC's Education and Publicity Sub-Committee.  Among other initiatives, the SDC noted that by the closing date of the sixth round of Sustainable Development (SD) Fund applications on 23 September, a total of 38 submissions, applying for a total grant of some $37 million, have been received.  The SD Fund was set up in 2003 to support community initiatives for promoting the concept of SD.

The agenda and discussion papers for today's meeting will be posted on the website www.susdev.gov.hk.  The digest of discussion at the meeting will be posted shortly afterwards.

   

Ends/Monday, October 20, 2008