**********************************************************
The Council for Sustainable Development today (November 17) published a report on Better Air Quality with recommendations for the Government to take forward in regard to issues such as electricity generation and emissions generated by various sources.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, also Chairman of the Council, said the Council would follow up with a public engagement process in 2007 to gauge public views on the issues identified that required concerted action by the relevant sectors and the community at large.
The Report on Better Air Quality is based on the study conducted by the Council's Study Group chaired by the Council Vice-Chairman, Dr Edgar Cheng. It seeks to identify the key issues relevant to Hong Kong's long-term sustainability and contributing to the air quality of Hong Kong.
Dr Sarah Liao, Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, pointed out that the Government had been working hand in hand with the Council on the subject. Some proposed measures had already been taken up and were announced in the 2006-07 Policy Address, such as encouraging owners of old diesel commercial vehicles to replace their old vehicles by offering one-off grant, providing tax incentives to encourage the use of environment friendly private cars, as well as a comprehensive study to review Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives.
Mr Stephen Ip, the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, added that the Government would continue its efforts to follow up on relevant measures in the Report while maintaining a safe and reliable electricity supply to Hong Kong.
As regards the Population Policy, another priority area being studied by the Council, the meeting noted that over 1,600 people attended the series of engagement events, including workshops and forums, another 20,000 visited the roving exhibition in 10 public locations, and 2,200 responses including written comments were received. The Council will analyze the views and plans to forward its recommendations on a sustainable population policy for Hong Kong to the Government early next year.
At today's meeting, the Council noted that there were 37 applications during the fourth round of applications to the Sustainable Development Fund. The Education and Publicity Sub-committee will assess these applications shortly, and continue with its efforts on the outreach programmes in the community in particular schools.
The Sustainable Development Fund was set up in 2003 to support community initiatives for promoting the concept of sustainable development. Practical projects and educational programmes that help raise public awareness of the principles of sustainable development and encourage sustainable practices are encouraged to apply to the Fund. Applications from non-government and community organisations as well as individuals are welcome.
A total of 14 projects have been approved since the establishment of the Fund, involving total grants of $12.5 million. Completed projects include an educational programme on sustainable development for the primary school sector by the Faculty of Education, the Chinese University of Hong Kong; and the publication of four issues of a magazine to promote sustainable development by Project S+E+E.
The agenda and discussion papers for today's meeting, as well as the Council Report on Better Air Quality will be posted on the website www.susdev.gov.hk. The digest of discussion at the meeting will be posted shortly afterwards.
Ends/Friday, November 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:43
NNNN
