The report has discussed Hong Kong's environmental resources in terms of the differing elements of natural capital stock to draw conclusions about the overall sustainability of the natural resource in its widest sense; those conclusions are presented here.

The sustainability of the natural resources capital stock in Hong Kong is difficult to evaluate purely in terms of the local baseline situation. This is because a significant amount of the SAR's demand for natural resources is met from external sources; Hong Kong is reliant on other countries for a range of natural resources and raw materials including energy minerals, aggregates, timber, food and freshwater. Whilst this is not an unusual situation for such a large and developed urban centre, in this respect the territory nevertheless exerts a considerable impact on resource use far beyond its own boundaries. Given Hong Kong's large population and dynamic economy, it is unrealistic to expect the SAR to be wholly self sufficient. However, it might be argued that Hong Kong's seemingly ever increasing patterns of consumption, supported by a relatively prosperous economy which gives the population the ability to pay for such imports, has fuelled Hong Kong's growing dependence upon imported natural resources and discouraged attempts to become more resource efficient. These trends appear to fly in the face of Hong Kong's international obligations and the need as a 'global citizen' to take a responsible approach to resource use. Measures are being taken, but more need to be developed, to limit the consumption of natural resources in Hong Kong and thereby lessen our impact on global sustainability concerns (eg greenhouse 147-gases, tropical hardwoods and fisheries).

Freshwater Resources - Issues and Trends

• Despite a reduction in growth in demand for freshwater since 1990, the amount of freshwater required each year in Hong Kong in absolute terms continues to increase albeit that overall per capita demand is declining. Efficiency of water supply is improved through utilisation of seawater for flushing (73% of flushing water is derived from the sea) though freshwater supply is affected by leakage which is estimated at a 22.5% rate of loss.
• The majority of Hong Kong's freshwater (76% in 1998) is supplied under an agreement with Mainland authorities from the Dongjiang River. The current agreement lasts until 2004 and rapid urban development in Southern China may pose a constraint on the amount available for export to Hong Kong in future. The quality of the Dongjiang water has also been questioned over recent months and whilst current supplies meet drinking water standards, it is possible that in future additional treatment plant in Hong Kong will be required. There is limited opportunity to significantly increase the capacity of local freshwater reservoirs and catchment areas.
• The demand for freshwater is principally under pressure from population growth and rising affluence, though counter measures such as investment in supply infrastructure to reduce leakage, water conservation initiatives and more radical proposals such as water charging may be developed to manage demand.