Development in Hong Kong and other major cities needs to become more sustainable. Hong
Kong, however, faces additional problems such as potential increases in population and a
corresponding need for additional housing and many other facilities. The SAR needs to
adapt existing concepts of development and planning and adopt a system more sympathetic to
a sustainable growth pattern and taking into account historical, cultural and
environmental factors.
By the end of 1999, the Government will have the results of the HK$40m study,
‘Sustainable Development for the 21st Century’ (SUSDEV21). This
independent study is assessing and evaluating an improved administration system to ensure
that relevant aspects of development proposals are co-ordinated and balanced. This balance
between continuing economic growth and commitment to sustainability is vital to Hong Kong.
In April, the Government, following up on proposals made in the Chief Executive's 1998
Policy Address, stated that it was now compulsory for all departments to publish annual
environmental reports accounting for the impact their policies would have on the
environment. The first reports, to be published in 2000, will allow Hong Kong to monitor
its growth and encourage awareness of sustainability issues.
