New ecology rules drive cross-border collaboration
An environmental expert says the country’s new Ecological and Environmental Code, which took effect on Saturday to mark National Ecology Day, opens up opportunities for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to deepen ecological partnerships. Passed by the National People's Congress in March, the legal framework is China’s second formal code, following the Civil Code enacted in 2020. Spanning five…
A new Ecological and Environmental Code came into effect in Hong Kong on Saturday, coinciding with National Ecology Day. The legislation, passed by the National People's Congress in March, is China's second formal ecological code, following the Civil Code introduced in 2020. The 1,200-page code encompasses pollution control, ecological conservation, and green, low-carbon development.
It also covers emerging pollutants like light, electromagnetic radiation, organic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Companies will now be required to submit annual emissions reports and register pollution-related facilities. The code effectively consolidates over 30 existing national environment-related statutes, simplifying compliance for businesses and citizens.
It turns China's "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 into statutory mandates. The code's founder and CEO, Yau Wing-kwong, highlighted that it paves the way for enhanced ecological collaboration between Hong Kong and cities in the Greater Bay Area. Yau's environmental association has already been establishing ecological corridors for butterfly gardens in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macau.
He emphasized that the code allows for greater involvement in conservation efforts, research, and citizen science initiatives.
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