Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection holds meeting in Hong Kong (with photo)
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Various topics of collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen were discussed at the meeting, including landfill management, water quality improvement, marine ecological protection and sectoral co-operation of resources recycling. The two parties presented their work progress and shared experiences to deepen exchanges and co-operation on environmental protection.
Regarding the management of the North East New Territories Landfill, an additional eight hectares of landfill were restored and greened last year, and the number of odour complaints dropped by more than 90 per cent compared to the peak period. In terms of water quality improvement, relevant work to improve the water quality of the Shenzhen River has achieved noticeable results. The total phosphorus level in the Shenzhen River in 2024 reached the national surface water quality Class III standard. As for marine ecological protection, the HKSAR Government has established a number of marine parks in recent years, increasing the area of protected sea areas from 3 400 hectares to more than 8 500 hectares, and subsidised local universities to conduct research on various coral restoration technologies. In terms of resource recycling, the HKSAR Government has been working hard to expand Hong Kong's community recycling network and strengthen various waste reduction and recycling measures. At the same time, the Government actively assists the industry in developing local resource recycling facilities to maximise the resource utilisation of various recyclables. The Government also vigorously promotes discussions with various Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities on the construction of a "Zero Waste Bay Area" and regional recycling.
Mr Tse expressed, "The Resolution on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China announced 'Building a Beautiful China. We will ramp up the green transition in all areas of economic and social development and improve the environmental governance system. We will prioritise ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development with a view to promoting harmony between humanity and nature'. As part of our country and the GBA, the HKSAR Government will definitely work hand in hand with Shenzhen in this direction to make positive contributions to the ecological civilisation construction of our country and the GBA."
The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Mr Eddie Cheung; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; and representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also attended the meeting.
Ends/Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:59
Issued at HKT 18:59
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