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Speeches & Presentations Green Pearl River Delta: The Way Forward Dr Kitty Poon, Under Secretary for the Environment At the 11th Joint Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Conference held recently, Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua unveiled the plan of turning the region into a Green Greater Pearl River Delta Quality Living Circle. The concept of a Green PRD signifies a paradigm shift in joint efforts to protect the environment. It reflects an emerging consensus that a new framework for cross-border co-operation has to be established in order to ensure quality of living and continued competitiveness of both Hong Kong and Guangdong in the long run. Conceived at a meeting between the Chief Executive and Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang in March this year, the initiative to build a green PRD envisions a holistic approach to environmental protection in the region as an alternative to the issue-based co-operation adopted previously. In past years, Hong Kong and Guangdong governments have worked tirelessly to combat regional air pollution. Tremendous efforts have been made to meet the agreed reduction targets of four major pollutants by 20 to 55 per cent in 2010 as agreed by both sides in 2002. The green PRD framework, if it materialises, will extend the scope of co-operation from mainly air quality management to producing clean energy, launching recycling industries, enhancing clean production measures, and making a joint effort in natural conservation and public education. This all-encompassing strategy seeks to treat environmental ills at their roots. The green delta agenda relies on a synergy of strengths while enabling each community to tackle its pressing issues. As members of an advanced society, Hongkongers are presently striving for a better living environment. The city's ability to attract international investments and talents has also increasingly depended on the qualities of its air and water. Guangdong, as a comparatively developed region within the country, is also stressed by the need for industrial restructuring and pressure to meet green standards as set out by the central government. By joining hands, both sides would have an opportunity to position themselves ahead of the curve. As an international city, Hong Kong could channel necessary funds and advanced technologies for the establishment of green enterprises. Guangdong, as the hinterland, is well positioned for the development of clean energy projects and recycling industries. Economy of scale, typical for green ventures, can only be achieved when the two sides join forces. Of course, building a green PRD is by no means a simple task. Policy-making, even within a homogenous society, always tests the ability and will to forge consensus among diverse stakeholders. Agreement and co-operation across the border would inevitably be more daunting. However, the future for a green PRD remains bright for two reasons. First of all, Guangdong, as reiterated by Party Secretary Wang Yang, is more determined than ever to strengthen its ties with Hong Kong as it strives to bring its development into the next stage. Secondly, intensified co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong also echoes the central government's call for regional collaboration on environment protection as highlighted in the National Environmental Protection Eleventh Five-year Plan issued last year. In fact, a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment Protection, recently visited Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to study the prospect of a green PRD. It is expected that the research will result in a green blueprint for the Greater Pearl River Delta. With the tripartite involvement of Guangdong, Hong Kong and the state's think-tank, the blueprint will hopefully shed a light on the strategic position of the region in the overall national environmental landscape. The formulation of a green PRD also depends on the participation of the public. At this stage, views from members of the community, entrepreneurs, advocates, academics and ordinary citizens will help to ensure both the creativity and feasibility of the scheme. Only with the wisdom and support from the public can the Green PRD materialise to serve the region's long-term sustainable development. A Green PRD is the way forward. Ends/Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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