First grants for projects important in promoting sustainable development

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The initial award of grants from the $100 million Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for eight projects marks an important step in promoting SD in Hong Kong, said Chair of the Education and Publicity Sub-committee (EPSC) of the Council for Sustainable Development, Ms Christine Fang, today (May 6).

"The eight selected projects are educational, promotional and training in nature. They are targeted at young people and the local community, and will last from 12 to 36 months," Ms Fang said.

"The projects demonstrate how to integrate the key aspects of sustainable development, such as social progress, environmental awareness and economic development in a practical way. They will have a wide impact in the community, with up to 300,000 people expected to benefit directly or indirectly," she added.

The projects are :

* "Education for Sustainable Development in Primary Schools" by Centre for University and School Partnership, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

* "Building an Environmentally Sustainable Society: from a Green Network to a Sustainable Community" by the Baptist Wing Lung Secondary School

* "Urban Green" by the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre

* "Project S+E+E" by Ms Patsy Cheng, Ms Carol Kwok and Ms Veronica Luk

* "Sustainable Wanchai Community Development 21" by St. James' Settlement Community Development Service

* "The Public Policy Innovation Competition: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Hong Kong" by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Hong Kong Policy Research Institute Ltd.

* "Transforming Our Community Heritage - Schools, Parents, Community, Professionals and Government Partnership in Enhancing Sustainable Development of Our Community Heritage" by CARE

* "Green Culture Island - Peng Chau" by the Green Peng Chau Association

The $100 million SDF was set up in 2003 to support projects that would help to raise public awareness of the principles of sustainable development and to encourage sustainable practices. A total of 127 proposals were received in the first round of applications. The grants for the eight selected projects total $7.75 million, with individual amounts ranging from $0.23 million to $1.52 million.

"To ensure that the project objectives are achieved and that the grants are spent according to the terms of the funding approval, the grant recipients will have to submit updated progress and financial reports," said Ms Fang.

"The recipients will also have to submit evaluation reports at the conclusion of the projects. These should demonstrate their effectiveness by quantifying the outcomes and impact of the projects as far as possible."

She said that the EPSC would hold forums from time to time to review the operation of the Fund, and to allow the grant recipients to share their experience of implementing successful projects with potential new applicants.

The SDF would be open for a second round of applications next month, and interested organisations and individuals were welcome to apply, Ms Fang added.

Ends/Thursday, May 6, 2004

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( Floor / Cantonese / English )