For release 4 February 1999
HKUST WORKS WITH CHINA
TO CHECK POLLUTION IN PEARL RIVER ESTUARY
A cross-border project on environmental pollution in the Pearl River Estuary is to be conducted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in collaboration with research institutes and government agencies on the Chinese Mainland, and with academic institutions in France and Hong Kong.
The Pearl River Estuary Pollution Project (PREPP) has been nominated by the Hong Kong Government as one of the major items on the Chief ExecutiveÕs Community Projects List. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has awarded a HK$18 million grant to HKUSTÕs Center for Coastal and Atmospheric Research (CCAR) and the Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IESD) for the project. The Trust will present the award to the University at a ceremony on Wednesday, 10 February 1999.
ÒThe management of cross-border environmental problems requires the collaboration of both Hong Kong and China, and Guangdong Province in particular,Ó said Prof Gary Heinke, Director of IESD at HKUST and PREPPÕs co-director with Prof Jay-Chung Chen (CCAR Director). ÒIn addition to official exchanges, itÕs important that local institutions and mainland agencies work closely together to foster mutual trust and respect for a better scientific understanding of environmental conditions in the Pearl River Estuary.Ó
The three-year project will develop a real-time database of the status of specific pollutants, sediments, pesticides, heavy metals, harmful algal blooms and nutrient levels in the Pearl River Estuary. Innovative technologies, including physiological biomarkers, satellite remote sensing and marine environmental mapping systems, will be employed. Data on these pollutants and their analyseswill serve as important references for authorities in Hong Kong and on the mainland in devising pollution monitoring and control strategies vital for the improvement of water quality, and ecological and human health. PREPP will also represent part of HKUSTÕs ongoing plan to study the coastal environment along the South China coastline.
Six other institutions from Guangzhou, Hangzhou, France and Hong Kong will participate in PREPP. They are: the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, the South China Sea Branch of the State Oceanic Administration in Guangzhou, Zhongshan University, the Second Institute of State Oceanic Administration in Hangzhou, Bordeaux University in France, and the University of Hong Kong.
Details of the Donation Presentation Ceremony are as follows: Date: Wednesday, 10 February 1999
Time: 11 am
Venue: Foyer, 7/F, Academic Building (via lifts 13-15), HKUST, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Note to Editors:
Please direct any enquiries to Ms Jacky Tsang of the Public Affairs Office at 2358-6306 or email pamedia@ust.hk.