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The Macao SAR Government announced on Monday, Sept. 4, that they’re expanding their ban on single-use plastic and Styrofoam (polystyrene) imports starting January 2024 to ensure the quality of the city’s environment.
This development comes after an extensive analysis of the city’s situation, looking at other regions’ experiences, and discussing with relevant trade associations and sectors, according to the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA).
The upcoming ban, which focuses on non-biodegradable plastic plates and cups and disposable Styrofoam trays for food products, is in addition to the existing ban on Styrofoam takeaway bowls, boxes, cups, and dishes (in effect since January 2021) and single-use plastic straws and stirrers (in effect since January 2022).
The DSPA also said in a statement that they’ll schedule a session to explain the ban further to relevant sectors.
For more information, the public can contact the DSPA through their environmental line at (853)2876 2626 or e-mail at [email protected].
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Join a week-long nature adventure at the 43rd Macau Green Week. Happening between March 16 and 24, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) will be hosting a series of events under the theme “Passing on the love of nature to build a beautiful city together,” following the concept of the “World Planting Day.”
Kicking off with a lively carnival on March 16 and 17 at Avenida da Praia, Taipa, guests can enjoy tons of game booths and themed booths that showcase Macau’s flora and fauna and join handicraft workshops and ecological tours for all ages. Following the concept, tree planting is also part of the activity lineup!
During the Green Week, Hac Sá Off-Roading Track and Guia Hill Cable Car will also be free to use, encouraging everyone to take advantage of these amenities.
Show love to nature by joining Macau’s Green Week! Interested joiners can register for the activities by visiting IAM's Integrated Services Centre, Public Services Centres, or stations.
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In support of the Macau SAR government’s “Dual Carbon” goals and low carbon policy, integrated resort MGM Macau is making big strides towards sustainability by converting into natural gas for its daily operations.
The change-up was officially launched in the recently held “MGM Natural Gas Conversion Completion Ceremony,” which was attended by officials supporting green energy, including Nam Kwong Group’s Chen Weijun, MGM China’s Kenneth Feng, and the Environmental Protection Bureau’s Tam Vai Man.
This makes MGM Macau the first hotel in the city to make the switch and the first integrated resort operator to adopt clean and low-carbon natural gas in all its properties. It also supports MGM Macau’s ongoing efforts towards utilising green energy since 2021.
The shift is expected to reduce over 550 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in Macau, which equates to planting about 24,000 trees, MGM said in a press release.
MGM Macau also highlighted its commitment to continue its green energy initiatives by using solar energy and switching to electric shuttle buses in the near future.
This follows Macau SAR’s Taipa-Macau Peninsula Natural Gas Cross-Sea Pipeline project, launched in March 2022, which strengthened the region’s ability to use natural gas.
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According to reporting from MacauBusiness, a forthcoming study conducted by Professor Shi Huabin at the University of Macau sheds light on the alarming risks posed by rising sea levels to the region. The study, titled "Changes in Storm Tides with Rising Sea Waters," is supported by the Science and Technology Development Fund and paints a concerning picture of Macau's future.
Based on this research, which specifically examines the impact of sea level rise on storm tides, it is predicted that if sea levels in Macau rise by just one meter, as is projected for this century, most of the area will face an imminent threat of catastrophic floods like the ones experienced during Typhoon Hato in 2017.
The study attempts to quantify the flood risk resulting from storm tides, using the effects of Typhoon Hato as a reference point. This typhoon wreaked havoc in Macau, claiming 10 lives and leaving 240 people injured. The research establishes five different risk levels based on the potential duration of flooding, with prolonged flooding periods being particularly perilous.
In the hypothetical scenario where sea levels rise by one meter, the model predicts that most of the Macau peninsula will fall within the highest-risk zone. Additionally, significant flooding is anticipated at the airport and Cotai, a region known for housing major casino hotels.
The sea level rise in the Pearl River Delta, which encompasses Macau, Hong Kong, and parts of Guangdong province, already far exceeds the global average. Researchers have estimated that sea levels in Macau could surge by up to 118 centimeters by the end of the century, which is 20% higher than the world average.
The study underscores that the ongoing construction of embankments, combined with Macau's low altitude and relatively small size, amplifies the threat posed by rising sea levels driven by climate change. Urgent and comprehensive measures are imperative to safeguard Macau's future against this impending environmental challenge.
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Macau has banned all types of live and fresh food products, sea salt, seaweed, fruits, aquatic products and their derivatives, eggs, meat, and meat products from 10 prefectures and regions of Japan as the latter began releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean yesterday, Aug. 24.
The 10 prefectures and regions are Fukushima Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, and Tokyo.
The ban began yesterday, coinciding with the wastewater's release, according to Macau's Government Information Bureau (GCS) on Aug. 23. Macau has strongly opposed the water release and expressed its grave concern about it. The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) is now tasked to monitor imported Japanese food products for radioactive substances and safeguard public health in the region.
Some neighbouring countries of Japan have also criticised the Japanese government's plan to release over one million metric tons of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. According to a Reuters report on Aug. 22, some of Japan’s biggest critics were Beijing and Hong Kong.
Japan, on the other hand, has assured that the water being released into the Pacific is safe, with the International Atomic Energy Agency approving the plan back in July.
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In line with its efforts to reduce waste in 2024, the Environmental Protection Bureau plans to ban the import of non-biodegradable single-use plastic plates and cups, as well as disposable Styrofoam plates. There’s no specific date on when the ban will start, but bureau head Raymond Tam says it will take place with the support of the industry and when alternatives become available.
This announcement from the Environmental Protection Bureau follows the local government’s initial action of banning Styrofoam meal boxes, bowls, and cups in 2021, and the prohibition of plastic straws and stirrers in 2022.
In the State of the Environment of Macau 2022 report released in early June, it was found that residents discarded 1.77 kilograms of solid waste each day, which is higher than Hong Kong (1.53 kg) and Guangzhou (0.86 kg).
The ban on non-biodegradable single-use plastic plates and cups, and disposable Styrofoam plates marks a significant step towards reducing waste in Macau and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
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A nature trip is one of the best ways to breathe in some fresh air and immerse yourself in verdant scenery. Setting aside Macau’s casinos dotted all over the cityscape, the autonomous region is one of the top destinations for green spaces, thanks to its vibrant tourism that offers great leisure stops for local and foreign tourists alike.
Get ready to be mesmerised by the beauty of Macau’s natural splendor. From nature parks to lakes, here are five places you should check out for your next nature excursion in Macau.
Seac Pai Van Park (Parque de Seac Pai Van)
Photo credit: Website/Macau Nature Network
This nature spot in Macau is rich in biodiversity, thanks to its green facilities – the Garden of Medicinal Plants and the Garden of Exotic Plants. The park encompasses a 40-acre site filled with landscaped gardens, aromatic plants, and an ecological trail garden.
You can also find the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion near the hillside of the Seac Pai Van Park. It is built with artificial mountain rocks, panda shelters, a bamboo cleaning area, and a bamboo storage designed as a simulated habitat for giant pandas.
The exhibit area for visitors is made of preserved original trees and a large tempered glass for viewing.
Aside from the Panda Pavilion, the park is a popular destination for families because it features a walk-in aviary, botanical gardens, a children’s playground, and the Natural and Agrarian Museum. It is open daily from 6 AM-10 PM. Admission to the park is free, except when visiting the giant pandas.
Location: Seac Pai Van Park, Estrada de Seac Pai Van, Parque de Seac Pai Van, Coloane
Taipa Grande Nature Park
Photo credit: Website/Macau Nature Network
This nature park in Macau is a great spot for wandering and to see the panoramic views of the Taipa and Cotai skylines. As one of the best nature spots in the region, it offers various family-friendly activities, such as touring the sculpture park of the Chinese Ethnics and hiking the four-kilometre hill of the Grand Taipa Hiking Trail. Admission to the Grand Taipa Hiking Trail is also free.
Location: Taipa Grande Nature Park, Rampa do Observatório, Taipa
Coloane Trail (Trilho de Coloane)
Photo credit: Website/Macau Nature Network
The Coloane Trail, often known as Macau's green belt, spans 8,100 metres and encircles the entire island of Coloane. The trail is ideal for seasoned hikers who can navigate self-guided routes, which often take more than two hours to complete. The route is also a great option for those who love to jog, run, and walk.
Nam Van Lake
Nam Van Lake is a man-made body of water located at the southernmost tip of Macau Peninsula and the east of Sai Van Lake. Known for its picturesque setting, this nature spot is where the Dragon Boat Festival is typically held every year.
Apart from that, Nam Van Lake shares a tranquil atmosphere where you can rent little paddle boats to explore the area.
Location: Nam Van Lake, Avenue Panoramica do Lago Nam Van, Macau
S. Francisco Garden
Photo credit: Website/Macau Nature Network
Regarded as the first publicly accessible garden in Macau, S. Francisco Garden has a long and storied history, having been built by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1580. Throughout the years, the grassy lands of the convent were replaced with a three-tiered public garden that extends from Avenida da Praia Grande to Rua Nova à Guia.
At present, the leisure garden features a fountain with three spouts and a children’s playground. It is also home to decade-old trees, such as the Yanmin, Lebbeck, jambolan plum, starfruit, and mango trees.
Location: S. Francisco Garden, Rua de Santa Clara in Sé, Macau
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