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The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau has overall policy responsibility
for the environment, among other matters. It receives professional support
from several government departments and advice from the Advisory Council
on the Environment, which comprises 15 members appointed by the Chief
Executive including members from environmental non-governmental organisations
(NGOs), business groups, academic institutions and professional institutions.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) executes
environmental policies and programmes, vets environmental planning and
assessment findings, enforces and reviews environmental laws, plans and
develops facilities for liquid and solid waste disposal and promotes environmental
management, audit and reporting. The EPD also promotes environmental awareness
in the community.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(AFCD) is the main agency for nature and wildlife conservation. It manages
country parks, special areas, marine parks and a marine reserve, which
are designated by the Chief Executive in Council for nature conservation,
recreation and education purposes. The department also identifies and
protects ecologically important areas by other means, enforces the law
to protect wildlife and plants, and examines ecological aspects of environmental
impact assessment reports and planning studies. It promotes public awareness
of nature conservation.
The Planning Department plans future land use and
controls developments throughout Hong Kong. The Drainage Services Department,
assisted by the Territory Development Department, designs, builds, operates
and maintains sewerage and sewage treatment facilities. The Civil Engineering
Department provides outlets for the re-use of inert construction and demolition
material. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department promotes energy
efficiency and conservation. The Marine Department clears floating refuse
and oil in the sea and enforces the law on oil pollution.
Government spending on the environment in 2003-04
was budgeted at $6.13 billion, or about 2.14 per cent of total public
expenditure. |
