Macao acts as an environmental co-operation platform

Macao would strive to enhance its position as an environmental co-operation platform for exchanges that would realise the ideal of “Thinking green, going clean and living cool”, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “2008 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition”, Mr Ho said we are faced with a situation today in which environmental degradation threatened all aspects of human well-being, while global climate change was apparent and the conflict between sustainable growth and scarce resources was obvious. “In Macao, we task ourselves with the priority to sustain the vibrancy of growth that will encapsulate, among others, a balance in our social, economic and environmental needs. We are committed to working with the business community and the general public to preserve our environment, pursue harmony, and improve our quality of life,” he said. He said Macao was small and lacked natural resources. “While water and energy resources have become a global topic, they are also everyday issues for us here in Macao. As a special administrative region, Macao is well supported by the Central Government and our supplies of energy and fresh water are safeguarded. “On the other hand, our Government is also proactively tackling the water salinity problem; promoting energy efficiency; and raising public awareness of environmental protection, conservation of energy and water in order to do our part in ensuring a sustainable development. “In addition, Macao will strive to enhance our role as a platform for exchanges that will realise the ideal of “Thinking green, going clean and living cool”. In particular, we will intensify strategic partnership with the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Region and play an intermediary function between the region and member states of the European Union,” he said. Mr Ho thanked the Ministry of Environmental Protection for acting as the Special Supporting Organisation, the governments in the PPRD Region for co-organising the event, as well as other participants for their attendance.