This will be the key web-page for the Council for Sustainable Development First Strategy Consultation matters. Over time as more information is published, appropriate links to papers, events, discussions, and other web-pages, etc. will be included on this web-page, so don't forget to bookmark it - keep yourself informed.
The Chief Executive's 1999 Policy Address recognised Sustainable Development as a key concept, announcing the formation of the Council for Sustainable Development.
On 17th July 2004, the Council for Sustainable Development (CSD) launched its First Strategy Forum. I know, you are probably asking yourself, what exactly does that mean?
Basically, the Council for Sustainable Development are seeking views from the general public, initially regarding three specific topics, namely Solid Waste Management, Renewable Energy and Urban Planning/Design.
Alternatively to use SD parlance, the stakeholder engagement exercise has commenced!
Incidentally, HKSDF were well represented, with Lily Shiu and John Herbert, joined by new members Alexi Bhanja and Mike Bains. Special thanks to Alexi for his excellent summary of the Waste Management session.
Even torrential rain from the tail end of the tropical storm, couldn't dampen attendance, it was a full house, a fact acknowledged in the opening statement by Dr Edgar Cheng - CSD - chair.
After brief introductions, each topic was presented. Representatives from the Peoples Council for Sustainable Development moderated the sessions.
Three topics, by a panel that comprised three members from the CSD. Each presented their subject papers (incidentally written without Government support) outlining the topic, with ideas and potential solutions. Each topic, followed the same general format:
Each topic was followed with a very, very brief open discussion. The lack of time for discussion was somewhat disappointing. With more than 170 attending, it was very encouraging to note that several district councilors attended and actively participated in the debate.
To read more about the I&R document and the consultation visit: http://www.susdev.org.hk
The deadline for submission is 12th November 2004. A copy of the HKSDF paper can be downloaded here
HKSDF will be activity participating in this consultation, if fact, we have started
work already!
Furious flurries via email have been exchanged over the last few days, drafting proposals, introducing
ideas, considering options, and seeking opportunities to widen debate.
Raymond Leung (Chair) and Dr WK Yau (Vice Chair) met with SDU on 23.7.04 to
further discuss
views and HKSDF participation.
Draft position papers are being drafted for review. These will be published on-line and circulated to members to solicited
further views, options and opinions.
HKSDF will create opportunities for members, to hear your views. Of course, we should also participate in forums and events hosted by other organisations, to solicit views and ensure that information we have collated is circulated widely in the community.
If SD is to reach the widest possible audience, smart ideas and concepts
need to be portrayed to the public. Help with translation would be very
welcome.
Want to participate? Want your views to be heard? contact
HKSDF today
"After introductory remarks by Dr Edgar Cheng, the first Pilot Area to be discussed at the
First Strategy Forum was Solid Waste Management.
Mr Albert Lai introduced the topic and outlined three important terms - Stakeholders, Strategy and
Consultation/Partnership/Involvement - all of which were essential to move forward on Solid
Waste Management.
He briefly described the three scenarios presented in the Invitation and Response document,
namely, "Do Nothing", "Incremental" and "Progressive". Mr Lai
stressed that these scenarios were not recommendations for action, but suggested strategies
for stakeholder consideration.
Mr James Tam, from Swire Sita Waste Services Limited, was the next speaker. Rather than reiterate
the information that was given in the Invitation and Response document, Mr Tam gave personal recollections
of his experience in the waste management industry. He talked about the problems in implementing a
waste management system that was (financially) fair to all stakeholders. He concluded that the key
issue was the balance between different facets, such as "social justice", "polluter pays" etc.
However, Mr Tam also cautioned that political realities must also be considered together with practical
solutions, citing the ten years it had taken government to revise and gain acceptance for the landfill
charging scheme, since its first attempted introduction.
Ms Lister Cheung, from The Conservancy Association, then addressed some of the problems from the NGO point
of view. She questioned whether "zero waste" was too radical and whether incineration was really
a sustainable option, citing the increases in carbon dioxide emissions - was incineration merely transferring
solid waste problems from land to air ? She discussed the issues relating to the type of technology
(conventional or state-of-the-art ?) and to locating an incineration plant
NIMBY syndrome).
Ms Cheung suggested that the incineration option should be considered
only as an interim solution (albeit for 30 to 50 years) so that the
higher ideals of sustainable development could be achieved, i.e. the
avoidance, reduction, reuse/recycling/recovery of waste, rather than
incineration as the end-point.
After the two speakers had finished, Mr Lai took questions and comments from
the floor.
Firstly, a student representative questioned the
"accountability" of the CSD, asking what real power the body had to
influence government. The second question was from a Yuen Long District
Councillor, bemoaning the fact that District Councils were rarely
invited to participate in these issues, yet could be of immense help in
ascertaining the opinions of local residents.
Thirdly, a member of Greenpeace asked how much effort had been made in
identifying solutions that would avoid waste generation in the first
place, rather than promoting end-of-pipe solutions - Producer
Responsibility Schemes were suggested.
The fourth question came from a member of the Housing Authority who
talked briefly about public education in public housing estates, and how
education was the keystone in successfully implementing any of the three
scenarios.
The final question came from a Sham Shui Po District Councillor, who
agreed that "zero waste" was unrealistic and also commented on
NIMBY
and PRS
NIMBY means Not In My Back Yard. Generally
used in the context where project proponents agree in principal but only
if project, such as incinerator, etc. is built elsewhere.
16 July 2004 - One day before the public launch of the First CSD consultation I&R document, the CSD 'announced' un-substantiated warnings that Renewable Energy (RE) could double electricity bills. Read More here, a quote from the SCMP:
http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&DocId=6410
Of course, the claim is complete and utter nonsense. A typical scare tactic, issuing high profile warnings the public, to sway opinion away from seeking RE.
Wind Power can be generated in China at significantly lower cost our than present HKE/CLP charges. The HKSDF advised by engineering experts, will expose, discuss and examine the real implications for RE in Hong Kong.
Whether you agree with RE or not, is it a disgrace that officials are greasing the rails, before the consultation has even started. HKSDF will be working hard to change public perception.
Renewable Energy - Forum
Read about the CSD RE Forum held on 18 Sept 2004
Renewable Energy - Workshop
Read about the CSD RE workshop held on 06 October 2004
Urban Development - Workshop
Read about the CSD Urban workshop held on 18 October 2004 in October's newsletter.
6 Oct 2004 - Read about the RE Workshop 6 October 2004
26 Sept 2004 - Read about the RE Forum 18 September 2004
24 Sept 2004 - CSD is also arranging a a number of workshop events, between 2 October and 6 November 2004. These will hopefully allow the real work to be done - devoting time to specific issues (pdf format):
http://www.susdev.org.hk/en/pdf/wkshop_leaflet.pdf
Whether by error or design, the wording of the workshop invitation indicates the workshops will focus on, and address points raise in the Invitation and Response (I&R) document by CSD! This is somewhat disappointing. Several important and critical issues have been raised in past forums - has the council actually listened to the feedback during the various forums?
12 November 2004 - HKSDF paper responding to the first consultation has
been published online Paper
(164k/pdf)
15 July 2004 - My Thoughts on Sustainable Development" - By Dr.
Edgar Cheng, Vice-Chairman, Council for Sustainable Development http://www.susdev.org.hk/en/whatsnew_20040715b.asp
May 2005 <NEW>
News Update:
A number of members have contacted me stating the email address provided on the CSD rely slip does not work!! To guarantee your place I recommend fax your reply slip. HKSDF cannot make a reservations on your behalf.
Incidentally, international readers should note that Monday (16th May 2005) is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
The first SD consultation closed last September 2004 and finally, yesterday actually (12 May 2005) the Council for Sustainable Development advised that the HKSAR Government strategy response will be published on 24 May 2005, refer to summary document for more information.
This will hopefully be another milestone, with Government acting upon the promises originally promulgated in the CE's 1999 policy address. The event is limited, first come first served basis, read the summary (pdf format) click here.
December 2004 - The Council for Sustainable Development has released its initial findings, before the final summit. Chose your preferred language (both are pdf format):
Have read the outline for the "summit" it is clear that the listening philosophy has been usurped for more banter. After the speeches, group play are over, a whole 30 minutes are devoted to statements / Q&A session!