Status and progress of environmental assessment in Hong Kong: facing the challenges in the 21st century

Abstract

Hong Kong's EIA system evolved from the application of an administrative EIA system to major development projects. Through learning by doing and the gradual accumulation of institutional and professional capability, the system was broadened to address plans, strategies and major policy proposals, as well as deepened to embrace environmental monitoring and audit mechanisms. The successful application of EIA to several key projects bred success and acceptance. In January 1997, the Hong Kong Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance was enacted and a legal and technical instrument, the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process, promulgated. Hong Kong is now evolving a sustainable development framework on which to apply the principles of environmental sustainability to future major policies and strategies and the Government's decision-making process.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• Hong Kong