Renewable energy, managing waste and urban planning will form the core of the city's quest for a long-term policy
A powerful government think-tank will map out a long-term strategy for Hong Kong's sustainable development by focusing on three areas: waste management, renewable energy and urban planning.
Each of the three policy areas would have a support group responsible for mapping out a blueprint, sources close to the Council for Sustainable Development said.
Instead of dominating the direction of public consultations, the support groups would help the public identify priority areas.
The government's Sustainable Development Unit will provide secretariat support to the council. In order to collect public opinion on high-priority areas, the council will organise meetings between the public and members of the support groups.
The groups will be composed of government officials, academics and ordinary individuals.
'This is a brand-new method,' a source said. 'It advocates a participatory process. Instead of the usual top-down consultation and policy formation, the people will have a sense of ownership.'