International Conference on Flood Management Highlights Climate Resilience Strategies for Urban Flood Control

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control

​The International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy, organised by the Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Civil Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), was held today (December 3) to foster co-operation and experience sharing in flood control, as well as to promote the development of global comprehensive flood control management strategies.

With the theme "Building an adaptive and resilient city to safeguard the public against flooding under extreme weather", the conference brought together over 400 leaders of flood control agencies, policymakers, hydraulic experts and academia representatives from Hungary, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Mainland, Macao and Hong Kong to discuss flood management strategies and adaptation plans in the face of climate change challenges, with a view to building a smart and flood resilient city.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that Hong Kong has been adopting a three-pronged approach focusing on storm water interception, flood storage and drainage improvement to tackle flooding over the years. In light of the escalating flood risks brought about by climate change, the Government must take decisive actions and strive to upgrade drainage facilities to enhance adaptability of the city, as well as implement contingency and management measures to strengthen capabilities in early warning, emergency preparedness, response and recovery to enhance overall flood control capabilities.

The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, said that being resilient means more than investing in drainage infrastructure and flood defences. It also requires the engagement of local communities, private sectors, and the public at large. By fostering a culture of resilience through early warning systems and education, communities will be empowered to become capable of preparing for, responding to and recovering from flooding events. This holistic approach is essential for building a sustainable future.

The President of the HKIE, Mr Eric Ma, noted that Hong Kong also experienced typhoons, extreme rainstorms and storm surge damages last year, demonstrating the urgent need to strengthen flood prevention technologies and formulate effective strategies. Integrated flood management encompasses innovative engineering solutions, robust policy frameworks and active community engagement to develop comprehensive strategies to address current and future challenges.

At the conference, the DSD and the Pearl River Water Resources Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources signed a co-operation agreement to strengthen exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in areas including coping with climate change as well as innovation and technology. The Director of the Pearl River Water Resources Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Wu Xiaolong, said in his keynote speech that in recent years, the Commission has actively implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's water regulating approach of "Prioritising water conservation, Balancing spatial distribution, Taking systematic approaches, Promoting government-market synergy" and thoroughly implemented the concept of "Two Adherences and Three Shifts" in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, vigorously promoted the flood and drought disaster prevention system in the Pearl River catchment to enhance flood and drought disaster prevention capabilities, and implemented scientific and precise dispatch and command, to ensure flood control safety in the Pearl River catchment and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In addition to keynote speeches and symposiums, there were booth exhibitions at the conference venue to introduce the latest flood prevention management strategies and technological development directions.

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

GREEN@COMMUNITY has taken over recycling service of waste plastics

​The "Pilot Scheme on Collection and Recycling Services of Plastic Recyclable Materials" (Pilot Scheme) of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) concluded yesterday (January 18). The collection service of waste plastics in all 18 districts of Hong Kong has been taken over by the operators of GREEN@COMMUNITY.

A spokesman for the EPD said: "After the conclusion of the Pilot Scheme, the recycling service of plastics has been handed over to the GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling network in the respective districts, and the door-to-door collection service of waste plastics provided by the GREEN@COMMUNITY operators to relevant housing estates has also been successfully extended across the territory. The EPD conducted site inspections across districts yesterday and today (January 19) and found that the situation of plastic recycling of residents and housing estates is in order and the operation of GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling stations is generally smooth. The department did not receive any complaint regarding collection service of waste plastics from the relevant housing estates, nor were there any cases observed of certain types of waste plastics not being collected or left unattended. The EPD will continue to monitor the situation."

"After the taking over of waste plastic collection services by GREEN@COMMUNITY, the operators may pass the collected plastics freely to any EPD-approved recyclers for handling, from merely the three designated recyclers under the Pilot Scheme to the current 10 downstream recyclers for processing. The EPD is expediting the approval process and will gradually add more qualified downstream recyclers to the list, further opening up market competition to reduce the cost of collection and recycling of waste plastics," the spokesman added.

The EPD stressed that it will strive to ensure that the plastic collection services for housing estates will remain unaffected after the conclusion of the Pilot Scheme. GREEN@COMMUNITY operators will continue to liaise with the housing estates for more flexible collection services for plastics, as well as other recyclables, with a view to enhancing the cost-effectiveness.

The EPD will continue to strengthen collaboration with GREEN@COMMUNITY operators, downstream recyclers, and relevant housing estates to provide the required plastic recycling services, ensuring that the recycling situation of residents and housing estates remains as usual. The EPD will also step up monitoring of the work of downstream recyclers, including conducting more frequent spot checks, to ensure that all collected waste plastics are properly processed and converted from waste into valuable resources.