Growth and degradation in the Orient’s ‘Las Vegas’: issues of environment in Macau

Abstract

This paper argues that the rapid growth of gambling‐related tourism and urban construction in Macau has given rise to serious environmental degradation. The major environmental issues include air quality, water supply, solid waste disposal, noise prevention, heritage conservation and environmental management. The author suggests that the government in Macau should refocus this city’s development direction and commit itself to sustainable development. At the policy‐making level, there are such urgent issues as integration of environmental, economic and urban planning with community participation in decision‐making; enhancement of environmental legislation and institutions; implementing vital measures to control of the numbers of visitors; developing a mass transport system; and protecting the city’s cultural heritage.

Keywords:

• Gambling‐related tourism
• Urban development
• Environmental issues
• Macau

Acknowledgements

I greatly appreciate valuable comments and suggestions made by Dr Michael Brett‐Crowther (Editor of this journal) and Dr Estelle Dryland at Macquarie University, Sydney on this paper. I would also like to express my thanks to Dr Vladimir Strezov at Macquarie University; and Mr Ka Wai Leung and Ms Tammy Wong at Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University for their information and excellent support in editing figures and maps.