Macau directly affected by Pearl River Estuary

Macau directly affected by Pearl River Estuary

Studies have shown that global warming is one of the reasons causing sea level rising the region of Pearl River estuary during the past 50 years. Experts have estimated around 2030 the average sea level of the Pearl River Estuary will increase 13-17cm comparing to1980-1999, since Macau is one of the most sensitive areas which are affected by the sea-level rise.

In addition, considering the situation of the Pearl River Basin within recent years, the Xijiang and Beijiang River Basin are experiencing persistent drought during dry season, the precipitation from 2003 to 2005 is only 150-200 mm, representing a sharp drop of 40 and 50 percent comparing to a normal year, the river flows reduce by 30 and 40 percent, resulting in a substantial decrease of the salty pressure flow. Under the double influences of the decreasing water flows during dry season and rising sea-level, the backward salt tide at Modaomen will become even more serious, posing a new threat to the security of water supply at Macau and Zhuhai.

Therefore,the two professors suggested the Government should start to have a special study, making a comprehensive assessment of the risks and probabilities various types of water hazards that might be faced, such as prevention for both government and public; carrying out water hazard prevention and control project and non-engineering measures planning; studying and establishing early warning and monitoring system and response plans; carrying out research of regional co-operation mechanism, and promoting regional hazard prevention co-ordination mechanism.

In addition, Professor Lotilla, former Minister of the Philippines’ Department of Energy, presented a workshop on " Integrated Coastal Management as a Framework for Natural Disaster Management".

Professor Lotilla currently serves as Executive Director of the " Partnership for Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asian ", which is supported by the United Nations Development Program and relevant organisations. During his term he was taking charge of the government's energy independence and power industry reform plan, and took the lead to legislate the related reforms into the Biochemical Fuel Act, and promoted the legislature to consider the draft of renewable energy.

Saturday, 04 April 2009
Macau Daily Times