Mainland experts say KYCAI reclamation EIA balances development needs, conservation

The EIA report is aimed to be submitted within the year to start the statutory process.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) reclamation project effectively balances development needs and conservation efforts, according to top Mainland environmental experts.

The experts met with the Development Bureau, Civil Engineering and Development Department, and Planning Department on 11 July to discuss the report.

The delegation included Wu Fengchang, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences; Yu Xingguang, former director of the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources; and Guan Daoming, former director of the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

During the meeting, discussions covered a range of environmental and ecological issues, including hydrodynamics, water quality, ecology, and the fishery industry.

Development Secretary Bernadette Linn expressed her gratitude to the Mainland experts for visiting Hong Kong to exchange views and offer guidance on the EIA study on the KYCAI's reclamation.

She highlighted the strategic importance of the KYCAI project, which aims to provide 1,000 hectares of new land and significantly boost Hong Kong’s development into a quality city.

Linn also emphasised the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's commitment to conducting the EIA with the highest standards, aligning with the national initiative of building an ecological civilization. 

The project team has carried out thorough ecological surveys, assessing environmental impacts and recommending appropriate mitigation measures through a scientific approach.

The EIA report, currently in preparation, is set to achieve elevated environmental quality with the guidance of the visiting experts. Whilst climate change is not a statutory EIA requirement, climate resilience was addressed due to public concern.

Linn confirmed that the EIA report, strengthened by expert feedback, aims to be submitted within the year to start the statutory process.