[Photo of Ms Anissa Wong Sean-yee, JP,
Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment) /
Director of Environmental Protection]
One of the most basic tools for achieving
sound environmental protection is scientific monitoring of the
environment. Without knowing clearly and accurately what is
happening in and to our environment, we cannot confidently take the
right steps to protect it.
Our Mission |
is to conduct an effective, scientific water monitoring programme that will help achieve and maintain the Water Quality Objectives and protect the health of Hong Kong’s rivers. |
The EPD has inaugurated several important
environmental monitoring programmes since its establishment in 1986,
of which the River Water Quality Monitoring Programme is one. For
two decades now we have been studying the water quality of Hong
Kong’s major rivers, and noting changes from year to year. This
information has proved vital for helping the Government develop
strategies and initiatives to overcome some of Hong Kong’s
historical water pollution problems. It has also kept the general
public informed about the health of these precious natural assets.
This year, we have produced a 20th
anniversary report that describes how the river water quality
monitoring programme has developed over the past two decades, and
what kinds of results it has achieved in that time. As you will
gather from reading the report, we have seen significant
improvements in Hong Kong’s river water over this period. Government
moves such as the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and the
Livestock Waste Control Scheme were radical initiatives that have
transformed the health of our rivers. The Government’s commitment to
improving Hong Kong’s sewerage infrastructure has been another major
step forward for the health of our rivers.
Ultimately, though, these improvements have
come about because of the co-operation of Hong Kong residents, who
have recognised the uniqueness and the importance of Hong Kong’s
natural environment. The efforts of many individuals to help reduce
water pollution, both through education and very practical efforts,
have helped create a widespread change of attitude amongst the
general public.
I believe that, given what it has achieved
over the past twenty years, the EPD’s river water quality monitoring
programme will remain an essential tool for the future. In the years
to come, it will continue to provide decision-makers, planners and
the general public with the essential information they need to
control pollution and safeguard the health of our rivers for future
generations.
Ms Anissa Wong Sean-yee, JP
Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment) /
Director of Environmental Protection