Cross‐border environmental governance in the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD)

Abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in cross‐border co‐operation in the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region of China, which has experienced three decades of unprecedented economic growth but also rapid deterioration of environmental quality. We examine the significance and the implications of this new framework for the reform and transformation of the economic structure and development pattern of the GPRD. We argue that these innovations should improve not only the quality of life of the region, but also provide an example for the whole of China. To succeed, the region must continue to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework and improve mechanisms for ensuring transparency of information, engaging business/industry as partners in environmental collaboration, and integrating non‐governmental organisations and civil society organisations with the region’s environmental governance structure.

Keywords:

• The Greater Pearl River Delta
• Cross‐border environmental collaboration
• Regional environmental governance