kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SEE officiates at launching ceremony of Community Recycling Network in Public Rental Housing Estates (with photos)
13.7.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (July 13) officiated at the launching ceremony of Community Recycling Network in Public Rental Housing Estates (PRHs), witnessing the first PRH recycling network set up in Kwai Tsing District. Given that 30 per cent of Hong Kong's population (over 2 million people) live in PRHs, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been expanding the community recycling network in PRHs by installing smart recycling bins, smart balances and gift redemption units to enable PRH residents and those living nearby to participate in clean recycling for complementing the upcoming implementation of municipal solid waste charging. Addressing the launching ceremony, Mr Tse said that the Community Recycling Network in PRHs marked an important milestone of the GREEN@COMMUNITY network. The two new Recycling Stores in PRHs, GREEN@KWAI FONG and GREEN@TAI WO HAU, commencing services on June 26 were successfully launched with the strong support of the Housing Department and the Hong Kong Housing Authority. The EPD plans to extend the network to 50 PRHs by the end of this year. Mr Tse also noted that the EPD has been expanding the community recycling network to encourage waste reduction and recycling by members of the public. Together with the two new Recycling Stores, there are currently 11 Recycling Stations, 33 Recycling Stores and more than 120 Recycling Spots operating in the form of kerbside booths under GREEN@COMMUNITY. There are also about 50 smart recycling bins installed in large housing estates, PRHs, villages, shopping malls, universities and government venues. These facilities offer a range of new recycling experiences for members of the public and strengthen their confidence in practising waste separation and recycling. The EPD will invite tenders for the operation service contracts of the Recycling Stores in PRHs tomorrow (July 14). Each service contract, covering two to three PRHs, is expected to commence at the end of this year for a period of 28 months. Interested non-profit organisations are welcome to submit tender proposals. The tender invitation will close on August 25. Details will be available on the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/business_job/business_opp/tender.html .
Appointments to new term of Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation
28.6.2023

The Environment and Ecology Bureau today (June 28) announced the appointments to the new term of the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation (ACCC). The ACCC was established on July 1, 2019, to advise on the priorities for conservation and revitalisation works proposals to be carried out by the Countryside Conservation Office, as well as advising on the policy and operational matters relating to the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme. The existing term of non-official membership will end on June 30, 2023. The new term of non-official membership, comprising 10 existing members and four new members, will be effective for two years from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025. The Chairman of the ACCC and Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, thanked all existing members for their active participation and invaluable advice on various conservation work in the past two years. He also welcomed the four new members and looked forward to working closely with members of the new term in the next two years on sustainable conservation and revitalisation of the countryside. The membership of the new term of the ACCC is as follows: Chairperson Secretary for Environment and Ecology Non-official Members Professor Joseph Ting Sun-pao Professor John Ng Cheuk-yee ï¼ Mr Eric Lee Chung-ming Professor Lam Kin-che Mr William Chiu Chi-fai ï¼ Mr Andrew Lam Siu-lo Professor Leslie Chen Hung-chi Mr Jan Chan Ka-chun Ms Carmen Chan Ka-mun Ms Julia Lau Man-kwan ï¼ Dr Miguel Lau Wai-neng ï¼ Mr Kenny Lok Ka-ming Ms Amelia Fok Ching-yin Ms Sylvia Chung Wai-man Ex-officio Members Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) or representative Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation or representative Secretary Chief Executive Officer (Countryside Conservation Office), Environment and Ecology Bureau ï¼New Member
SEE visits Beijing (with photos)
16.6.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, started his visit to Beijing today (June 16). In the morning, Mr Tse travelled to the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone, and visited facilities including fuel cell production workshops, hydrogen refilling stations, and different types of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, to learn about the latest developments of the hydrogen energy industry in the Mainland. He then visited the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and met with the Minister of the MEE, Mr Huang Runqiu, to exchange views on various ecology and environment protection issues and related works. Mr Tse pointed out that President Xi Jinping emphasised in his speech at the 20th National Congress last year the importance of promoting green and low-carbon development, prevention of environmental pollution, as well as enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystems. The Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) Government hopes to better integrate into the overall national development and jointly take forward ecological conservation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Mr Tse said, "We will continue to strengthen our work in various environmental areas, such as enhancing biodiversity, deepening environmental co-operation in the GBA, combating climate change, promoting green transport and resource recycling, and improving air quality." After the meeting, Mr Huang and Mr Tse witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Arrangement on Carrying Out Marine Ecological and Environmental Protection Work by the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Director of the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of the MEE, Dr Wang Juying. The Arrangement helps strengthen the co-operation of the HKSAR Government and the Mainland in marine ecological environment protection and water quality management with a view to assisting all parties in achieving the common goal of protecting and improving the quality of the marine ecological environment in the GBA. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this evening.
SEE to visit Beijing
15.6.2023

âThe Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Beijing this afternoon (June 15). During his stay in Beijing, Mr Tse will visit the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and meet with officials to exchange views on various environmental issues, including enhancing biodiversity, promotion of environmental co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and combating climate change, with a view to enhancing communication and co-operation. He will also visit the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone to obtain a deeper understanding of the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Mainland. The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; and officers from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Hong Kong Observatory will also join the visit. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong in the evening on June 16. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.
SEE attends activation ceremony for Hong Kong Disneyland's staff car park solar canopy project (with photos)
2.6.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (June 2) officiated at the activation ceremony for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL)'s staff car park solar canopy project. This is the first project commenced since the introduction of the facilitation measures by the Government to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system in open car parks by the private sector. Under this project, the solar PV system at HKDL's staff car park will cover 80 parking spaces, generating over 200 000 kWh of electricity annually that satisfies the electricity consumption of around 60 three-person families. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Speaking at the activation ceremony, Mr Tse said that the Government has been committed to creating favourable conditions for the private sector to develop renewable energy. He was also pleased to learn that HKDL responded to the Government's plan of controlling single-use plastics by stopping the provision of expanded polystyrene tableware, disposable plastic take-away containers, disposable straws and inflatable cheering sticks for audiences. He hopes that more organisations and community members will participate in the promotion of environmental protection and pursue decarbonisation. Mr Tse then visited various green facilities at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, including solar power generation systems, a lighting and air-conditioning monitoring system, a rainwater collection and computerised irrigation system, and a food waste collection system, etc, to understand the success of HKDL's green measures in promoting the development of renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency and waste reduction at source. Other officiating guests at the activation ceremony were the Managing Director of HKDL, Mr Michael Moriarty; Chief Building Surveyor of Buildings Department Mr William Poon; and Chief Engineer of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Mr George Liu. Over 50 representatives from the New Territories West Elder Academies Cluster and school also participated in the event. The Government announced Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 in 2021, setting out four major decarbonisation strategies, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Development Bureau introduced a set of measures in April last year to facilitate the installation of solar PV systems in open car parks by the private sector, to assist applicants, including public organisations, to install solar PV systems not exceeding three metres in height in open car parks. In addition, the Buildings Department provides a fast-track mechanism to process and approve building plans and gross floor area concessions. Details of the facilitation measures have been uploaded to Hong Kong Renewable Energy Net of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department ( re.emsd.gov.hk/english/gen/facilitation_measures/open_car_park.html ).
SEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum (with photos)
24.5.2023

ãã The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (May 24) attended the Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum in Xiamen to discuss various co-operation issues that include safeguarding energy security and the promotion of green energy transformation. The Forum was organised by the National Energy Administration. The theme for this year is "Stepping Towards High-quality Energy Development". In delivering his speech, Mr Tse highlighted the decarbonisation strategies set out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 with a view to aligning with the national "dual carbon" targets. "The Government announced in 2021 the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, setting out the 'net-zero electricity generation' decarbonisation strategy. Electricity generation is the largest source of carbon emissions in Hong Kong. Through strengthening regional energy co-operation, we strive to increase the use of zero-carbon energy in electricity generation by raising its share in the fuel mix to around 60 per cent to 70 per cent before 2035," Mr Tse said. Mr Tse also pointed out that the two power companies in Hong Kong have been contributing to the development of the electricity industry in the nation and Belt and Road countries. They have been endeavouring to develop clean energy and promote low-carbon transformation, which also provides opportunities for the exchange of technology and experience for energy management talent. Mr Tse continued that, with the staunch support of the country and under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The HKSAR Government will take the initiative to dovetail with national strategies such as high-quality Belt and Road development, and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation with its strengths. Mr Tse also visited the Exhibition on the 10th Anniversary of Belt and Road Energy Cooperation at the Forum. The Exhibition showcased the achievements of Belt and Road energy co-operation projects over the past decade. The projects have injected new impetus for world economic prosperity and social development, provided new solutions for the reform of the global energy governance system and made new contributions to the happiness of people in the Belt and Road countries. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 25).
SEE to attend Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum in Xiamen
23.5.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Xiamen in the afternoon today (May 23) to attend the Third Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum (Forum). Organised by the National Energy Administration, the Forum themed "Stepping towards High-quality Energy Development" aims to study the impact of global political and economic situation on energy development, the safeguarding of energy security and the co-operation for green energy transformation. Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong on May 25. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.
Opening ceremony of Aberdeen Market held today (with photos)
19.5.2023

The opening ceremony of the overhauled Aberdeen Market under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) was held today (May 19). This marks the official launch of the market as well as a milestone in the Market Modernisation Programme (MMP). Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that the overhaul of the Aberdeen Market is a pioneering project of the MMP, which aims to enhance the business environment for tenants and the competitiveness of markets through improvement works while at the same time providing patrons with a more pleasant shopping experience. The overhauled Aberdeen Market adopts modern design and layout, such as delineation of stalls according to the types of trade, enlarging of stalls, widening of passageways and increase in public spaces. It is also equipped with baby care and breastfeeding rooms, a multipurpose space for holding market promotion events, etc. Moreover, a number of new facilities are provided at the market, including a recycling store, barrier-free facilities, a separate storage room for temporary storage of carcasses, etc. The market provides 142 stalls, the majority of which have commenced business from April 26 and been operating smoothly. The new environment and facilities of the market are also well-received by the public. The FEHD introduces a new management model in the Aberdeen Market and has strengthened the role of the service contractor in managing the market, including formulating market promotion and development strategies, with a view to enhancing the market business vibrancy and better meeting the needs of the public. Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Miss Vivian Lau; the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Ms Irene Young; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Edward Tse; the District Officer (Southern), Mr Francis Cheng; the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo), Mrs Regina Ip; member of the ExCo Mr Tommy Cheung; and members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Ms Judy Chan, Ms Chan Hoi-yan and Mr Chan Hok-fung. They were joined by other attending guests including members of the LegCo, members of Southern District Council and Area Committees, members of the local community, etc. Apart from the Aberdeen Market, the FEHD is pressing ahead with the other five overhaul or redevelopment projects announced under the MMP. Among them, the Lai Wan Market has been closed since February 2023 for overhaul and is expected to reopen before the Lunar New Year in 2024 at the earliest. The FEHD is also carrying out preparatory and consultation work for other proposed overhaul or redevelopment projects, which include Yeung Uk Road Market, Ngau Tau Kok Market, Kowloon City Market and North Kwai Chung Market.
SEE offers deepest condolences
12.5.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (May 12) expressed profound sadness upon the death of Field Assistant of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Mr Ng Kwok-pui. While performing his duty today at Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, Lantau South Country Park, Mr Ng was stung by bees and fell unconscious. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital and certified dead. Mr Tse said, "On behalf of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr Ng's family. We will make every effort to provide necessary assistance to the family."
SEE visits offshore LNG terminal (with photos)
28.4.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (April 28) visited the offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) vessel in the south-western waters of Hong Kong, and listened to the report of the latest development of the project by the CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) and the Hongkong Electric Company, Limited (HEC). The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Eric Pang, and other relevant government officials also joined the visit. Mr Tse noted that the construction works of the offshore LNG terminal have largely been completed, and various tests are being conducted. The terminal is expected to go into operation in mid-2023. Upon its commissioning, the two power companies will be able to purchase LNG from the international LNG market directly, thus strengthening their bargaining power in obtaining LNG supply contract, which will help relieve the pressure of tariff increase, enhance energy security and ensure a more reliable and diverse energy supply for Hong Kong. "The Government implements policies in the best interests of the public. Under unstable economic situation, the Government believes that the two power companies should shoulder social responsibility and do their best to help stabilise electricity tariff. The development of offshore LNG terminal by the two power companies can enhance the competition of natural gas supply to Hong Kong, which will help strengthen energy security and stabilise electricity tariff in the long run. The Government will continue to explore more measures in these two aspects, including developing a diversified fuel mix, increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the fuel mix for power generation, and co-operating with neighbouring regions to develop or provide zero-carbon energy and electricity," said Mr Tse. The offshore LNG terminal project has been developed and constructed jointly by the CLP and the HEC. Offshore construction works started in late 2020 and the marine jetty and subsea gas pipelines of the project have already been completed. Commissioning of equipment is under way and the terminal is scheduled for operation in mid-2023. The FSRU vessel successfully berthed at the offshore LNG terminal on April 18, 2023, to facilitate the final checks and clearance. The FSRU vessel, which will be named Bauhinia Spirit, is the world's largest. The vessel will be moored at the jetty of the offshore LNG terminal and be used to receive, store, and regasify LNG.
Transcript of remarks by SEE at media session
21.4.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at a media session after attending a meeting of the Panel on Environmental Affairs of the Legislative Council today (April 21): Reporter: Mr Tse, what do you make of the Hongkong Electric explanation over the cause of the voltage dip earlier this week? Should there be a revisit to regulations of the two power companies to prevent such failure from happening in the future? The Secretary for Environment and Ecology: Under the existing Scheme of Control Agreements, there is an incentive and penalty mechanism. The purpose of the mechanism was to encourage power companies to resume the electricity supply as soon as possible in case of any incidents. And that mechanism was introduced in the current Scheme of Control Agreements in 2017, almost six years ago. Nowadays, given this incident, we believe that mechanism has room for improvement. Therefore, taking the opportunity of the coming mid-term review of the Agreement, the Government will discuss with the two power companies on how to further improve the mechanism. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SEE commences visit to Beijing (with photos)
17.4.2023

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (April 17) started his visit to Beijing. In the morning, Mr Tse visited the National Energy Administration (NEA) to exchange views on issues such as the promotion of energy co-operation. Mr Tse said in the meeting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government would proactively integrate into the overall development of our country and strengthen regional co-operation in clean energy, so as to lead Hong Kong towards the goal of carbon neutrality and to tie in with our country's planning and development of energy and decarbonisation. "The NEA expressed their support in ensuring Hong Kong's electricity supply and in the promotion of clean energy and green and low-carbon transition. The HKSAR Government is grateful for the support of the NEA," said Mr Tse. Mr Tse then visited the State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid) to learn about its history and development, as well as its contributions to areas including energy security, green development and supporting people's livelihood. Mr Tse also met with the representatives from the State Grid and conducted exchanges. In the afternoon, Mr Tse visited the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, including the facilitation arrangement for exporting food made in Hong Kong to the Mainland markets, as well as the construction and commissioning of the electronic data transmission system for food supply for Hong Kong. Both parties exchanged some initial thoughts at the meeting today. The GACC supports the enterprises of Hong Kong to integrate into the overall development of the country proactively. Further discussion on the way forward will be conducted at working level later. The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the GACC also signed the Co-operation Arrangement for Regulation of Safety of Raw Milk supplied from the Mainland to Hong Kong. Mr Tse said the Arrangement can further strengthen co-operation of both parties in the field of food safety and increase the clearance efficiency. He also expressed gratitude to the national support in securing the supply of food to Hong Kong, stressing that the HKSAR Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities to ensure an adequate, stable and safe food supply to Hong Kong.ã Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (April 18).