Sustainability and coastal zone management in Hong Kong - the case of Mirs Bay

Hong Kong's coastal zone is under considerable stress as a result of continuing population growth, large-scale infrastructure developments, extensive land reclamation projects, the ineffective control of various types of pollution, and a growing problem of cross-border pollution associated with rapid development in neighbouring parts of Mainland China. Policy-related and institutional weaknesses have resulted in a failure to tackle environmental problems in a comprehensive and integrated manner, little attention has been given to sustainability issues, and Hong Kong lacks a clear framework for coastal zone planning and management. Mirs Bay, on the eastern margins of Hong Kong, remains one of the few relatively unpolluted parts of the territory's marine environment. It contains a rich and diverse marine flora and fauna, and is the location of two of Hong Kong's designated marine parks. However, even this area of high ecological value may now be under threat from future development, and increased levels of pollution from both Hong Kong and Mainland sources. The paper examines environmental conditions in Mirs Bay, reviews existing evidence regarding pollution levels and changes in marine biodiversity, evaluates threats to the Bay's environment, and discusses whether, in the context of Hong Kong's existing approaches to environmental protection, it is possible to protect this area of high quality marine environment from irreversible degradation.