kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation approves new Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme projects
3.11.2023

The Secretariat of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme (CCFS) announced today (November 3) that the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation (ACCC) has approved new CCFS projects involving a total grant of around $27 million. The newly approved projects are the Nature Conservation Management Agreement (MA) project in Ho Sheung Heung (HSH) and the Proactive Conservation (PC) project in Sha Lo Tung (SLT). The MA project aims at sustaining the conservation outcome accumulated, and continuing the enhanced collaboration with local farmers in agricultural activities, in order to maintain the freshwater wetland of HSH as a favourable ecological habitat for the stopover and perching of birds, amphibians and freshwater fishes. The PC project, initiated by the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, targets to conserve the biodiversity of SLT through proactive conservation work and pave the way for the implementation of the long-term conservation strategy of SLT. The PC project will be conducted by a local non-profit-making organisation (NPO) to be engaged through the established procurement and tendering procedures of the Government. Tendering details will be announced separately. To enhance the transparency of the CCFS and the outcome of the conservation projects, the ACCC has also agreed to refine the guide to the application of the CCFS to clearly stipulate the responsibilities and funding limit of the project organisation. The amendments cover, amongst others, the requirement on dissemination of project information and the outcome for public sharing, the accumulated funding limit for any single project organisation at the same time and the introduction of an e-form to facilitate application. To help revitalise countryside villages and support eco-tourism, the review of the refinement of the licensing regime for guesthouses and food businesses in the countryside, conducted by the Government's interdepartmental task force, is close to completion. The CCO will summarise the facilitation measures and prepare the relevant licensing requirements and procedural guidelines with a view to facilitating licensing applications for countryside areas. The guidelines are expected to be completed and promulgated in 2023/24. So far, a total of 45 projects involving a total amount of around $236 million have been approved under the eight rounds of CCFS applications conducted, supporting local NPOs' work in promoting conservation and revitalisation in different aspects, such as natural environment/habitats, non-graded built heritage, cultural and historic assets. All CCFS applications are examined and considered by the ACCC, which is chaired by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology. Details of the approved projects are available on the CCFS webpage ( www.eeb.gov.hk/en/conservation/ccfs/ccfs_approved_projects.html ).
SEE exchanges views with around 400 young people (with photos)
29.10.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (October 29) attended the "Dialogue with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology" session on the public day of the 18th Eco Expo Asia to exchange views with young people on the ways to achieve carbon neutrality in Hong Kong. To tie in with the theme of this year's Expo "Taking the Leap towards Carbon Neutrality", Mr Tse shared and exchanged views on environmental protection with around 400 students and young people from 12 different schools and youth uniformed groups, covering topics such as impacts of global climate change, Hong Kong's goal to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, applications of green technological innovations and daily low carbon tips. During the question and answer session, responses from the young people attending the session were overwhelming, in which they actively asked questions and shared their views on environmental protection issues. Mr Tse pointed out that young people are important stakeholders in tackling climate crisis. He called on them to practise what they have learned about environmental protection and integrate it into their daily lives. By changing their habits and reducing carbon footprint collectively, they can lead Hong Kong towards a low-carbon future. He also encouraged young people aspired to join the environment-related field to study hard, to explore their interests and expertise in the industry, and to devote themselves to environmental protection work in the future, so as to contribute to combating climate change and sustainable development. The Director of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Guo Jianhua, also attended the event and presented certificates to the participating schools and youth uniform groups. The Eco Expo Asia opens to the public for free on the last day of the event. In addition to the "Dialogue with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology" session, activities for the public day also include guided tours, upcycling workshops, green markets and environmental seminars. Speakers from the Hong Kong Observatory, the Water Supplies Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Environmental Protection Department and the City University of Hong Kong shared environmental protection information and knowledge with members of the public in environmental seminars to enhance public awareness on environmental protection. Moreover, environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a valued topic in recent years. This year's Eco Expo Asia also arranged the "ESG Employment Base" for the first time, providing diversified employment and development opportunities for young people who are interested in joining the ESG sector.
EEB signs Cooperation Arrangement on Technical Exchange on Environmental Monitoring with China National Environmental Monitoring Centre of Ministry of Ecology and Environment (with photos)
27.10.2023

The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (October 27) signed the Cooperation Arrangement on Technical Exchange on Environmental Monitoring with the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to strengthen co-operation in areas including monitoring of environmental water quality, environmental air quality, ecology and new pollutants. Witnessed by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Vice Minister, member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Ms Guo Fang, the Cooperation Arrangement was signed by the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Director of the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre, Dr Zhang Dawei. Areas of co-operation include exploring Hong Kong's participation in network construction of national environmental quality standards for surface water; regular exchange of monitoring data in relation to the environmental quality of surface water and air in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA); enhancement of the ability to monitor surface water, air, ecology and new pollutants, as well as the exploration of joint research study on environmental monitoring technology. Dr Chui said that the implementation of the Cooperation Arrangement will help strengthen co-operation and technology exchanges between the two places on environmental monitoring and assessment, monitoring standards, and related requirements and specifications of relevant technologies for monitoring of surface water, air, ecology, new pollutants, etc. It will be beneficial to the enhancement of the capacity in environmental monitoring and assessment, with a view to supporting the concerted efforts of all parties in better protecting and enhancing the environment quality in the GBA. In addition, during their stay in Hong Kong, representatives of the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre visited the air monitoring facilities (including Tseung Kwan O Monitoring Station and Central Monitoring Station) of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) as well as the Smart Water Science Centre. They also visited the air quality research facility of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and shared experiences and exchanged views with EPD officers.
Specified forms of relevant notices and certificate under Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance gazetted
22.10.2023

The specified forms of the relevant notices and certificate under the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance (Cap. 570) (the Ordinance) was published in the Gazette today (October 22). The Fines and Fixed Penalties (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023 (the Amendments Ordinance) comes into effect today, raising the level of the fixed penalty for the seven scheduled offences (Note) which involve the conduct of individual members of the public including disposal of waste and spitting in public places, country parks or into the sea from $1,500 to $3,000; and the fixed penalty level for the two scheduled offences mainly related to shopfront extension and illegal disposal of construction waste or large amounts of other waste, from $1,500 to $6,000. Aside from raising the levels of fixed penalties of relevant offences, the Amendments Ordinance also empowers the Secretary for Environment and Ecology to specify the forms of relevant notices and certificate to be published in the Gazette according to section 17A of the Ordinance. This will enable necessary formatting revisions to be made in a more flexible and timely manner in the future. The relevant notices and certificate include: (i) the notice that may be given under section 3 of the Ordinance to a person who is believed to have committed a scheduled offence under the Ordinance for payment of the fixed penalty specified for that offence; (ii) the notice that the Authority is required to serve under section 6 of the Ordinance to a person who has not paid the fixed penalty within 21 days, with a view to demanding payment of the relevant fine and informing the person, if he/she wishes to dispute liability for the offence, to notify the Authority in writing; and (iii) the certificate for making an application in the name of the Secretary for Justice to the magistrate for the recovery of fixed penalty under section 9(2) of the Ordinance. A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "The Government is determined to enhance environmental hygiene in Hong Kong. The new fixed penalty levels for offences such as littering and shopfront extension comes into effect today. In addition, the Government will conduct a public consultation on the second stage of legislative amendments this year to enhance the efficiency and deterrent effect of enforcement. "In the past three months, the Government has enhanced publicity and education to raise the awareness of the members of the public and relevant sectors on the new fixed penalty levels and to enhance their law-abiding awareness." Note: The seven scheduled offences are (i) display of bills or posters without permission; (ii) depositing of litter or waste in public spaces; (iii) spitting in public places; (iv) fouling of street by dog faeces; (v) depositing of litter in country parks and special areas; (vi) spitting in country parks and special areas; and (vii) marine littering.
SEE joins International Forum on Energy Transition in Suzhou (with photos)
6.9.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (September 6) joined the International Forum on Energy Transition co-hosted by the National Energy Administration, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government. The theme for this year is "Jointly promote energy transition for a shared green future". Mr Tse shared Hong Kong's strategies and efforts in reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector and strengthening regional collaboration. He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to combating climate change. The Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 sets out the "net-zero electricity generation" decarbonisation strategy with specific targets and roadmap leading Hong Kong towards the goal of carbon neutrality. "The HKSAR Government is committed to strengthening regional co-operation to increase the use of clean energy, stabilise electricity tariffs and ensure energy security. We have set the target to cease using coal for daily electricity generation by 2035. We are also striving to increase the use of zero-carbon energy and its share in fuel mix for electricity generation to around 60 per cent to 70 per cent before 2035," Mr Tse said. Mr Tse also said that Hong Kong, as an international city with close co-operation with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is an ideal gateway for foreign enterprises to enter the Mainland market. The HKSAR Government will implement various measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while the Government and the private sector will also devote substantial resources to supporting carbon reduction projects to create green opportunities on various fronts. During the forum, Mr Tse also visited the Exhibition on the 10th Anniversary of China's Energy Revolution. In June 2014, President Xi Jinping put forward the energy security strategy of "Four Reforms and One Cooperation". The exhibition showcased the country's efforts in building a diversified clean energy supply and achievements in promoting low-carbon energy transformation. It also featured the country's contribution to addressing the challenges of global climate change and achieving carbon neutrality by establishing closer global energy partnerships and promoting the development of energy infrastructure in many countries. Mr Tse also met with the Chairman of the World Economic Forum's Beijing Representative Office, Mr Liming Chen, and exchanged views on topics such as low carbon development, climate change and conservation work. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 7).
SEE attends International Forum on Energy Transition in Suzhou
5.9.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Suzhou this afternoon (September 5) to attend the International Forum on Energy Transition co-hosted by the National Energy Administration, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government. The Forum was first held in 2015 and is now in its fourth year. The theme for this year is "Jointly promote energy transition for a shared green future". Representatives of international organisations and energy companies, including leaders of energy ministries from various countries; the Administrator of the National Energy Administration, Mr Zhang Jianhua; the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Mr Francesco La Camera; the President of the World Economic Forum, Mr B&oslash;rge Brende, will participate in the Forum to share their experiences in promoting energy transformation, and discuss co-operation in energy transformation and promoting global clean energy partnerships. Mr Tse will attend discussion sessions tomorrow (September 6) on the energy sector. He will share Hong Kong's strategies and efforts in reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector and strengthening regional collaboration. The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Eric Pang, and officers from the Environment and Ecology Bureau will also attend. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of September 7. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.
SEE attends Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection (with photo)
21.8.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (August 21) led a delegation to attend the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection meeting held in Shenzhen with a view to deepening the exchanges and co-operation between the two places. Also attending the meeting were the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang; and representatives from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Drainage Services Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Ms Zhang Hua and Mr Tse. Various collaborative issues between Hong Kong and Shenzhen were discussed in the meeting, including marine pollution prevention and control, wetland conservation, water quality improvement, air quality, cross-border transportation using new energy, and resources circulation. Both sides reported on the progress of their respective work and shared experiences to deepen exchanges and co-operation between the two places. Mr Tse said, "The report to the 20th National Congress clearly stated a firm adherence to the ideology that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets'. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will maintain close contact with relevant authorities of Shenzhen and work together to advance the tasks of the working group. We will also continue to pursue the four major strategies, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction, and implement low-carbon transformation. We strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 to align with the national 'dual carbon' targets of reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060." Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
SEE attends BRI Green Innovation Conference (with photos)
20.8.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, attended the BRI Green Innovation Conference (2023) held in Shenzhen today (August 20) to share experiences in green innovation with the Belt and Road counterparts, foster mutual learning and exchange views. The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, also attended the conference. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tse said, "In response to climate change and environmental protection, the world is facing challenges of transitioning towards green living and green industries. China has clearly stated a firm adherence to the ideology that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' and a focus on the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature in development planning. Last Tuesday (August 15) was the first National Ecology Day of our country, reflecting the nation's commitment to this issue. As part of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) spares no effort in promoting ecological civilisation and green carbon reduction." He added that the HKSAR Government has been participating proactively in the green co-operation with the Belt and Road regions to combat climate change and environmental challenges together. It includes strengthening nature conservation, ecological environment protection, promoting green finance, water resources utilisation and management, as well as promoting sustainable green development and the application of smart technology. Mr Tse highlighted the sewage surveillance for virus testing method developed in Hong Kong during the epidemic. This method not only helped identify hidden cases in communities to fight against the virus but also utilises statistical mathematical models to accurately predict the development of the epidemic. In early September, the Environmental Protection Department will collaborate with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to introduce and share the successful experiences in sewage surveillance for virus testing with approximately ten countries along the Belt and Road, aiming to embrace together the green development concept of the Belt and Road Initiative. "We believe that through co-operation and mutual effort, we can contribute to the sustainable development in the region and on earth, creating a world where humans and nature co-exist harmoniously," said Mr Tse. The conference was hosted by the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the BRI International Green Development Coalition, the Ecology Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, and co-organised by the Belt and Road Environmental Technology Exchange and Transfer Center (Shenzhen). It aims to deepen the exchange and co-operation of the Belt and Road countries in areas such as green technology, green equipment, green services, and green infrastructure construction, and to promote green development in the Greater Bay Area. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Speech by SEE at opening plenary of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting (English only)
16.8.2023

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the opening plenary of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting in Seattle, the United States (US), today (August 15, US time): Thank you, Chair and fellow colleagues. Hong Kong, China is committed to contributing to the development of a resilient and sustainable APEC community by actively participating in the APEC Energy Working Group and sponsoring projects of other APEC economies. Hong Kong, China is the Deputy Lead Shepherd of the Energy Working Group, which, amongst other things, explores new APEC energy-related goals in addressing the climate challenges. Hong Kong, China was also the Chair of the APEC Expert Group on Energy Efficiency and Conservation in 2019-2023 and is the Vice-chair of the Expert Group in 2023-2025. We will continue to play an active role in the APEC community, with a view to contributing to achieve APEC's Energy Intensity Reduction Goal. APEC economies consume approximately 60 per cent of the world's energy. APEC's Energy Intensity Reduction Goal is to reduce APEC's aggregate energy intensity by 45 per cent by 2035, against the 2005 level. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the community, so far, the energy intensity in Hong Kong, China has decreased by over 30 per cent. Hong Kong, China has also pledged to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. Our Climate Action Plan has four major decarbonisation strategies, namely (a) net-zero electricity generation; (b) energy saving and green buildings; (c) green transport; and (d) waste reduction. To strengthen the co-ordination and promote deep decarbonisation, we have set up a new Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality since January this year to formulate strategies, policies and action plans for tackling climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. We have also earmarked HK$240 billion (equivalent to about US$30 billion) to fight against climate change in the next 15 to 20 years. Achieving carbon neutrality in less than 27 years is an extremely challenging ambition. The importance of regional and global collaboration cannot be overstated in our carbon neutrality journey. Hong Kong, China will continue to sharpen our own policies, step up actions in combatting climate change, and welcome collaboration with APEC economies to shape a greener tomorrow. Thank you, Chair.