Hong Kong officials are poised to advance the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) reclamation project, following constructive discussions with esteemed Mainland environmental experts. The project, aimed at balancing development imperatives with environmental conservation efforts, received crucial insights during a recent meeting.
Key figures present at the meeting included Wu Fengchang, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences; Yu Xingguang, former director of the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources; and Guan Daoming, former director of the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Deliberations centered on various environmental facets such as hydrodynamics, water quality, ecology, and impacts on the fishery industry.
Development Secretary Bernadette Linn extended gratitude to the visiting experts for their invaluable contributions to the ongoing EIA study. Highlighting the strategic significance of the KYCAI project in providing 1,000 hectares of new land, Linn emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to conducting the EIA in accordance with rigorous standards, aligning with national goals of fostering an ecological civilization.
The project team, employing a scientific approach, has conducted comprehensive ecological surveys to assess potential impacts and propose appropriate mitigation measures. Climate resilience, while not a statutory EIA requirement, was also addressed to address public concerns.
Linn confirmed that the EIA report, enriched by expert feedback, is on track for submission within the year, marking a pivotal step towards initiating the statutory process.
This development underscores Hong Kong’s proactive stance in integrating sustainable development practices while meeting the region’s infrastructure needs.
Related topics:
3 Reasons Why Eia Is Important
