8 Conclusion and Recommendations

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

Generally speaking, the state of environment in Macao has improved in 2010, but there are hidden worries. The 19 environmental indicators in seven major environmental domains of Macao showed different evolution trend in 2010. In respect of the social-economic and environmental integrated indicator, the land area and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were on the good trend; the end-year population remained stable; while visitor arrivals and electricity consumption showed a noteworthy trend. In respect of the atmospheric environment, the air quality index remained stable; the indicators of atmospheric emissions, greenhouse gas emissions and ecological efficiency of the energy sector were on the good trend; but the ecological efficiency of the transport sector exhibited a noteworthy trend. In respect of the water resources, the indicator of potable water quality was on the good trend; the potable water consumption remained stable; but the average evaluation index of coastal waters and the indicator for wastewater treatment exhibited a worrying trend. In respect of the waste, the waste generated remained stable, but the ultimate disposal of waste was unstable. In respect of nature conservation, the indicator for green area remained good. In respect of the ambient noise, the driving force of noise and the indicator of noise level remained stable, but the trend of noise complaints is noteworthy. In respect of the environmental management, the public investment and expenditure on environmental planning, remediation and infrastructure, public participation and concern, and the promotion and implementation of environmental management system remained good.

In respect of the atmospheric environment, the air pollutant data of Macao in 2010 revealed that the air quality index (AQI) recorded by the automatic air quality monitoring stations in Macao ranged from “Good” to “Moderate” in 2010, but the average number of days recorded “Good” decreased compared with that of 2009. Due to the sandstorms from the mainland, Macao was recorded 2 days with “Very poor” air quality by the Calçada do Poço Station and the Taipa City Station for the first time, and 2 days with “Severe” air pollution by the Northern District Station and the Big Taipa Hill Station in 2010.

On the other hand, according to the evaluation of air pollutant emissions, the emissions of the major pollutants in Macao, including carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), total suspended

particulates (TSP), respirable suspended particulates with diameter less than 10μm [RSP (PM10)] and lead (Pb), decreased compared with that of 2009. Specifically, the emissions of SOx decreased significantly, while the emissions of ammonia (NH3) and the non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) increased slightly. The emissions of atmospheric pollutants indicated that a majority of the air pollutants in Macao somewhat decreased in 2010, but the air quality of Macao is easily susceptible to the air pollutants in the region. For example, due to the sandstorms from the mainland, the automatic air quality monitoring stations in Macao once recorded “Very poor” and “Severe” air quality in Macao.

In respect of the greenhouse gas emissions, the emissions of greenhouse gases in Macao have been on the downward trend since 2005, and in 2010 particularly, the annual estimated emissions have declined of 14.8% over that of 2009. Among the various greenhouse gases, the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) have decreased slightly in their emissions due to the decrease in “Local electricity generation” and “Sanitary landfills”.

In respect of water resources, a majority of the water consumption units have recorded a decrease in their water consumption to varying degrees in 2010. Specifically, the daily average billed water consumption per capita and the daily average domestic water consumption per capita have seen a decrease of 0.1% and 0.5% respectively.

The quality of coastal waters in Macao has been deteriorating in recent years from the perspective of the total evaluation index. To be specific, the non-metal pollution has been worsening, leading to a 6.5% increase in the total evaluation index compared with that of 2009. Among all the sampling points, the Inner Harbor has seen the most serious non-metal pollution, with its non-metal evaluation index far higher than the annual average level. Moreover, a majority of the monitoring points have seen an increase of 10-20% in their non-metal evaluation index in 2010 over 2009. In respect of the heavy metal pollution, the 2009 and 2010 data showed that the concentration of mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) had reached the critical value or even exceeded the standard value at a majority of the monitoring points.

132

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

In respect of the waste, 321,425 ton of solid wastes have been transferred to the Macao Refuse Incineration Plant for treatment in 2010. This meant that the daily average quantity of waste transferred for treatment per capita in Macao had reached the high level of 1.64 kg in the year, which was similar to that of 2009. Meanwhile, after the quantity of construction waste broke the records in 2007, it decreased slightly in 2008 and 2009, but increased again in 2010, by 16.9% compared with the previous year. Therefore, the pressure from disposal of construction waste was not eliminated completely.

In respect of the resources recycling, the MSAR Government continued to optimize the facilities for recyclable waste collection and separation in communities, the number of public recycling points in Macao reach 220 in 2010. On the other hand, the number of schools, government departments, associations and private organizations participating in the waste separation and collection campaign has reached 289 and the number of residential buildings involved in the domestic waste separation and collection campaign has increased to 295, so as to provide more convenient recycling approaches for citizens.

In respect of nature conservation, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) had updated and amended the classification standard of green area, the original six categories were reclassified into four new categories, namely, “Green space for leisure and recreation”, “Green

space for traffic infrastructure”, “Nursery for urban greening” and “Green space for ecological landscape”. According to the abovementioned adjustment, statistics found that the total green area managed by the IACM in 2010 stood at 8,534,475 m2, in comparison to 7,703,995 m2 in 2009, which meant an increase of 10.8%. Meanwhile, according to environmental statistical data, the number of trees planted on the roadside in Macao Peninsula, and on the roadside as well as the newly planted trees in reforestation areas in Taipa, Cotai Reclamation Zone and Coloane have all been on the rise in 2010.

In respect of the ambient noise, among the 4 fixed ambient noise monitoring stations in Macao, the Horta e Costa Station had recorded the highest annual average Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level (Leq) per hour in 2010; and next came the Venceslau de Morais Station; and the Correia Silva Street Station recorded a significant increase in the annual average Leq per hour. In respect of the noise complaints, the total number of noise complaints received by the relevant government departments was on an upward trend, the number of complaints received per 1,000 people reached 9.31, an increase of 18.8% over 2009. The Public Security Police Force (PSP) received 4,435 cases of noise complaints throughout the year, remaining the main channel of complaint. The main categories of noise complaints involved “Residence / Disturbance from neighbors”, “Construction work” and “Conversation and shouting”, etc.

133

8 Conclusion and Recommendations

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

In respect of the environmental management, the MSAR Government has been allocating resources in environmental protection in recent years with financially support for pollution prevention and control. In 2010, the MSAR Government investment in “Planning and environment” increased by 33.1% over 2009. In respect of the public participation in environmental protection activities, the total number of environment protection educational activities held in 2010 and the number of their co-organizers have slightly decreased compared with 2009, but the number of participants increased by 15.1%. With strong support of both the government and residents, the number of participants and the amount of expenses both had reached new highs in recent years.

On the other hand, the number of complaints about noise, air pollution and other environmental problems made to the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), the IACM and the PSP has been on the rise year after year. After the establishment of DSPA on 29th of June in 2009 with more comprehensive environmental functions, the DSPA has gradually become a major channel of coordinating and dealing with residents’ environmental concerns. In 2010, the numbers of noise and air pollution complaints received by the DSPA have both increased dramatically by 133.9% and 119.0% respectively.

2010 was an iconic year of environmental protection work in Macao. Upon the publication of the “Macao’s Environmental Protection Conceptual Planning (2010-2020)” on the 22nd of April in 2010, the DSPA are going to implement the first environmental protection planning of Macao in three phases in the next decade (till 2020). With the vision of “Building a Low Carbon Macao, Creating Green Living Together” and the concepts of sustainable development, low carbon development, public participation and regional cooperation, the DSPA promoted studies on the specific planning in atmospheric environment, waterenvironment, solid waste, acoustic environment, ecology, light environment, radiation environment, and environmental policy management and also on the overall environmental planning of Macao, which includes not only the existing areas of Macao but also the future reclamation zones of the new town, with the consideration of understanding and evaluating the environmental challenges that Macao are facing in a more comprehensive and accurate manner, formulating

a long-term environmental protection plan that would fit the social conditions, public opinions and environmental reality of Macao and seeking a common striving goal for Macao’s residents in various environmental domains such as living environment, usage of resources, traffic and transportation, enterprise management, world heritage and ecological protection as well as regional coordination, etc.

Along with the rapid urbanization of Macao, the accelerated regional integration and the strong common aspiration for quality living environment, Macao is faced with greater opportunities and challenges in environmental protection in the future. Therefore, during the formulation of the environmental protection planning, apart from enhancing coordination, integration and complementarily and perfection with other planning such as the urban development planning, transportation planning, water conservation planning and energy planning, etc. as well as establishing and strengthening cross-departmental communication and collaboration mechanism, it is even more necessary to strengthen the coordination with greater regional planning. Only by coordinating the planning concepts, planning goals, specific environmental protection action plans and industry developments can the environmental protection planning and other relevant regional planning be deepened and implemented in Macao.

Air quality bears on the subsistence of human beings all the time; it also affects on the entire ecosystem on Earth. Therefore, we can never slacken efforts in improving air quality; rather, we shall make unremitting efforts for enhancement, in order to ensure the health and quality living of all residents. It is suggested to fully understand the state of emissions of all the stationary and major sources of air pollution as well as the transportation in Macao. In respect of air pollution sources, preventive measures of source control and end-of-pipe treatment is suggested for continual enhancement of the air quality of Macao. In respect of the environmental pollution caused by land transport, it is suggested to control at the source with the formulation of a series of favorable policies or incentive measures for imposing emissions standards for newly imported vehicles; reducing the use of existing high- polluting vehicles; establishing waste vehicle recycling systems; introducing environmentally friendly vehicles and improving the quality of vehicle-used fuel, etc., controlling

134

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

the air pollution with multi-track approaches. When the public transportation system is relatively sound in the future, it is even necessary to control the number of vehicles in order to improve the air quality in Macao. In the meantime, it is also necessary to establish a regional air quality monitoring network via closer regional cooperation with the aim of understanding the sources and spatial dis-tribution of various air pollutants in the region in a more effective and timely manner to formulate countermeasures accordingly.

On the other hand, although the estimated greenhouse gases emissions in Macao were declined in recent years, it does not mean that we can ease our efforts in emissions reduction. In fact, in order to meet the national obligations in respect to emissions reduction of slowing global warming under the Kyoto Protocol and facilitate the development positioning of Macao as the global center of tourism and recreation, the regional cooperation in building a quality living community and the vision of creating a low carbon Macao, it is suggested for the MSAR Government to integrate all its emissions reduction measures and formulate an overall low carbon development strategy. Meanwhile, it is also suggested to continue the promotion of renewable energies and energy conservation products application as well as of the use of solar energy on buildings with appropriate experiment of installation of solar photovoltaic equipment. Moreover, it is suggested to promote energy-efficient construction and universal application of energy conservation lighting equipments. On the other hand, in order to promote the environmental protection and energy

conservation work more effectively, it is suggested for the MSAR Government to consider establishing dedicated fund for environmental protection and energy conservation, encourage and urge enterprises to make more use of products which are energy saving, environmentally friendly as well as using alternative energies through economic incentives, so as to encourage all social sectors to utilize products and facilities which are conducive to emissions reduction of the greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Meanwhile, it is suggested to maintain and even increase the utilization of natural gases in local electricity generation, and reducing greenhouse gases emissions and air pollutants by promoting the application of clean energy in Macao.

In respect of water resources management, as the public awareness on water conservation is raised, the water consumption of public administrations and domestic water consumption has both decreased in 2010, but there was still the need to push forward and deepen various programs aimed at water conservation and water source exploiting according to the “Water Conservation Planning Outline of Macao”. In respect of water conservation, it is suggested to promote the application of water conservation devices continuously and put forward more water conservation measures, such as the measure of curbing consumption with price, and to enhance the public awareness on water conservation, so as to consolidate the water conservation achievements of Macao. Meanwhile, it is suggested, in particular for the increase in commercial water consumption, to highlight the importance of water conservation among industries which consume relatively more water, like the hotels, so as to urge to the strengthening of management in water consumption and conservation. In respect of water source exploiting, it is suggested to intensify the development and utilization of reclaimed water, making a holistic plan and study on the development of water reclamation in Macao; and then build more water reclamation facilities at appropriate locations on this basis; and furthermore, promote development of non-regular water resources like rainwater and application of the water reclamation projects in the new town. A combination of these measures is able to store more water resources of extremely high value for Macao. On the other hand, as for wastewater treatment, it is suggested to continue sewage system improvement plan and perfection of wastewater treatment facilities, and to launch upgrade of the capacity of wastewater treatment plants or constant improvement in wastewater treatment.

135

8 Conclusion and Recommendations

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

In addition, in view of the deteriorating water quality in the Canal Dos Patos and the Inner Harbor, it is suggested to conduct in-depth site monitoring and investigation as well as mathematical modeling, simulating the hydrological changes of the Canal Dos Patos in order to identify dynamic factors bearing on the water quality, so as to suggest feasible and effective water quality improvement programs on a scientific basis. Meanwhile, remediation measures by phases under the Framework on Macao/Guangdong co- operation are suggested to optimize the water environment of the Canal Dos Patos as well as the living environment for residents along the river.

At the same time, it is suggested to investigate the coastal waters quality and improver the monitoring network progressively while taking into consideration of the prevention and control of non-point source pollution, promote comprehensive construction of separation system for rainwater and wastewater, and conduct study on comprehensive management of non-point sources in cities.All these aim to prevent and control the coastal water pollution in Macao by dealing with both the point and non-point source pollutions.

In respect of the waste management, it is suggested to encourage waste reduction at sources, promote resources recycling and reuse, optimize waste management approaches, upgrading treatment facilities, promoting waste reduction, resourcing and environmental sound treatment with multi-dimensional approach. Meanwhile, it is suggested to conduct various forms of publicity and

education activities regarding waste reduction, and adopt economic incentive measures to promote recyclable waste collection and separation as well as advocate the awareness on “Waste reduction at sources” and on the 5R (i.e. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle).

It is suggested to conduct holistic study on strategies for solid waste management and specific studies on the reuse of construction waste, the recycle system of waste vehicles, production and reduction of plastic bags usage as well as e-waste management demonstration, etc. In respect of the waste treatment, in consideration of the relatively high organic content in the waste of Macao, it is suggested to carry the feasibility study of the reduction and recycling of food waste and introduce equipment for transforming them into resources. In addition, in view of the special and hazardous waste which are of relatively greater concern of the public, it is suggested to carry out study on appropriate approaches for their treatment or disposal in Macao. Meanwhile, strengthening the solid-waste-related environmental supervision system and improving constantly the solid waste management and information systems, integrating management means and treatment facilities to reduce the volume of solid waste and enhancing the resourcing progressively are suggested. On the basis of waste reuse, it is necessary to strengthen regional cooperation in an effort to better address the issues related to waste disposal.

A low carbon, livable, quality and sound ecological environment is the solid foundation for the sustainable development of a city. In an attempt to enhance the comfort of residents in Macao, it is suggested to raise the green areas coverage rate, enhance the ecological services of green areas and optimize the layout plan of green areas system as much as possible by taking into consideration the integration of green areas in the old district as well as planning and conservation of green areas in the new town. In addition, we must attach great importance to the planning, protection and recovery of existing ecological systems, strive for a balance between the land for natural conservation and the land for construction purposes during the development process, laying special emphasis on the protection of areas of high ecological value by regulatory means, and ensure that the city maintains a considerable proportion of green areas. Besides, it is suggested to consider

136

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

the feasibility of introducing ecological protection compensation system so as to strike a better balance between development and conservation, facilitating sustainable development in Macao. As for invasive alien species, it is suggested to continue related study in order to strengthen the prevention and control of harmful ones. Moreover, relative works concerning constant conservation of the existing ecological zones is suggested to be conducted with the view to attracting more animals to inhabit and reproduce there, creating a better ecological system. It is suggested to turn the natural, environmental and ecological resources into open ecological education places for students and general public where they can experience the natural scenery of Macao. Furthermore, apart from maintaining existing nature reserves and greenery achievements, it is suggested to enhance our ecological services by a multiple of conservation, greenery and ecological means. This will not only provide Macao residents with a destination for leisure, but also attract tourists to stay longer, facilitating the development of Macao to an international destination for cultural tourism and a sustainable, livable city.

Macao is a city with frequent economic activities; public do concern different types of noise pollution, annoyance in their daily life. In fact, besides amending the Noise Law to tighten firstly the punishment for construction noise producers, and after the amendment takes effect, regulate then the piling work and community noises in strict accordance with the amendment. Moreover, in view of the community noise, it is suggested to enhance the civic and legal awareness of the general public via various forms of publicity and legal education activities, aiming at voluntary noise reduction. Relevant training for related industries and their participants with the view of urging them to adopt high quality equipment and advanced technologies, and gradually eliminate backward and high noise, construction equipment and technologies. Furthermore, considering the fact that traffic noise is a major cause of the relatively high level of ambient noise, it is suggested to take measures such as imposing noise limit on imported vehicles, formulating more reasonable transportation planning, implementing “Public transport priority” and “Green Commuting” programs, promoting low noise transportation means, laying low noise road surfaces, setting noise barriers, and exercising traffic control properly, etc., aiming to reduce the impact of noise caused by motor vehicles on the living quality. On the

other hand, sound insulation is suggested to be taken into consideration in the design of buildings. In respect of the low frequency noise annoyance that Macao citizens concerned a lot in recent years, it is suggested to conduct investigation into the major sources of such pollution and carry out study on related control strategies, monitoring methods and evaluation standards, etc., in order to establish monitoring methods and evaluation standards gradually against low frequency noise pollution. Equally important is to deal with the noise pollution at its sources, namely, the urban development planning phase. Therefore, it is suggested to promote environmentally friendly and low carbon urban planning and projects design in the reclamation zones of the new town so as to reduce the ambient noise level effectively.

Based on the first phase of the environmental protection planning of Macao in 2010, it is suggested to enrich various categories of environmental data and refine the direction, goal and action plans of the environmental protection in the future through rich scientific study. Apart from systemic and scientific planning, environmental protection requires our mutual participation, for the small steps taken by each one can aggregate to a great stride in the environmental improvement efforts. Therefore, it is suggested for public administrations to take the leading role in creating the green management culture. Cross-departmental cooperation in the environmental protection area is suggested to be deepened, enhance the environmental protection awareness and better utilization of public resources through various guidelines, publicity and training activities, practice environmental procurement, and continue to deepen the “Environmental Management Program for Public

137

8 Conclusion and Recommendations

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010

Administrations”, etc. On the other hand, it is suggested to encourage all civil servants and the general public to enrich their knowledge on environmental protection and deliver environmental protection responsibilities in their daily life through the three major platforms, namely “Green School Partnership Program”, “Green Enterprise Partnership Program” and “Macao Green Hotel Award” programs.

It is suggested for the MSAR Government to gradually strengthen environmental quality monitoring, enhance environmental standards and establish a consummate environmental impact assessment system to improve the ability in manage environment. In order to implement the principles related to living quality, regulating environmental policies, prevention, balance, participation, cooperation, rehabilitation and accountability, etc., in the currently effective Law of Environmental Framework more effectively, a sound environmental legal system consisting of a series of laws and corresponding systems specifically for different environmental elements needed to be put into place in long run, so that the environmental laws and the corresponding law system formulation can keep up with the development. While the environmental legal system of Macao gradually establishes and improves, cross-

138

departmental cooperation should be strengthened, putting the environmental protection guidelines and standards to a societal implementation level, making such guidelines and standards more practicable and effective, keep up with the rapid social and economic developments in Macao and respond to public appeals effectively.

Moreover, along with the urban internationalization, growth of population and visitor arrivals, and intensification of regional cooperation, it is suggested to formulate a set of emergency response strategies and corresponding contingency mechanism for various forms of environmental incidents with experiences from other regions, so as to protect the environment and ensure residents’ health.

Environment has no boundary. The assurance of quality of potable water and air quality, the improvement of coastal waters quality, waste disposal and ecosystem integration in Macao are all closely related to the entire Pearl River Delta region. Therefore, on the basis of constant promotion and improvement of the environmental protection work of Macao, it is suggested for the MSAR Government to strengthen international and regional cooperation in environmental protection in the future, in particular for

Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2010 139

the government to avail regional planning opportunities under the “Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area” and the “Framework Agreement on Macao/Guangdong Co-operation” to seek cooperation and support in the environmental protection area in the Pearl River Delta region. In order to improve the environmental quality of the entire region and the living quality of residents, it is suggested to launch the regional pollution prevention and control work, to maintain local air quality, to promote the regional coordination and treatment of special waste and to take an active part in regional cooperation programs such as cross boundary eco- protection and landscape construction programs.

We cannot evade the environmental challenges that Macao faces at present. And we are confident that with insisting on the belief of “Environmental Protection, Mutual Responsibility”; more human and resources allocated to improve environmental as well as effective environmental policies are made by the MSAR government; clean production and environmentally friendly equipment adopted by enterprises; and taking actions in work and daily life to protect the environment by everyone, the vision of “Building a Low Carbon Macao, Creating Green Living Together” will not be just a beautiful blueprint, but will turn Macao into a sustainable and high quality living environment which is achieved through mutual and concerted efforts by all of us.