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On April 1, 2005, the
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
merged with the Environment Branch of
the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau,
a move which united policy formulation
and execution and simplified the decision-making
process. The new EPD, which is still under
the bureau, has overall policy responsibility
for the environment, including nature
conservation. It executes environmental
policies, vets environmental planning
and assessment findings, enforces and
reviews environmental law, plans and develops
facilities for liquid and solid waste
disposal and promotes environmental management,
auditing and reporting. It also promotes
environmental awareness in the community.
The EPD 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, business groups, academic
institutions and professional institutions.
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. The department also
identifies and protects ecologically important
areas, 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 (including conservation
zoning) and controls developments throughout
Hong Kong. The Drainage Services Department
designs, builds, operates and maintains
sewerage and sewage treatment facilities.
The Civil Engineering and Development
Department provides outlets for the reuse
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 2005-06 was budgeted
at $5.49 billion, or about 2.04 per cent
of total public expenditure. |