Hong Kong and Shenzhen strengthen environmental collaboration

Chemical treatment process results showed reduced phosphorus discharge into Ng Tung River and Shenzhen River.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Shenzhen's Vice Mayor Zhang Hua, leading delegations from their respective governments, convened the Hong Kong-Shenzhen joint working group on environmental protection in Hong Kong. 

According to the government news agency, discussions encompassed landfill management, water quality enhancement, and cross-border transportation using new energy, with both sides sharing progress and insights.

Efforts from both parties led to a significant improvement in odour management at the North East New Territories Landfill, resulting in an 80% decrease in complaints. 

Additionally, plans were made to trial electric goods vehicles for cross-border transportation.

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In collaboration with Shenzhen, Hong Kong tested a chemical treatment process at Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works, resulting in reduced phosphorus discharge into Ng Tung River and Shenzhen River, meeting stringent discharge standards.

Following the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed to bolster environmental protection efforts, covering pollution management, ecological conservation, climate change mitigation, and environmental education.

“We will continue to work in line with national environmental protection and conservation goals, and strengthen cooperation with our counterparts.” Tse said.

There are also plans to improve environmental quality across both regions and the Greater Bay Area.