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Heavy metals are highly persistent in water and have a particular significance in ecotoxicology. Heavy metals loading from the Pearl River are likely to cause significant impacts on the environment in the South China Sea and the West Pacific. In this study, using monthly monitoring data from a water quality monitoring campaign during 2006–2012, the temporal variation and spatial transfer of six heavy metals (lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) in the Pearl River were analyzed, and the heavy metal fluxes into the sea were calculated. During this period, the annual heavy metal loads discharged from the Pearl River into the South China Sea were 5.8 (Hg), 471.7 (Pb), 1524.6 (Cu), 3819.6 (Zn), 43.9 (Cd), and 621.9 (As) tons, respectively. The metal fluxes showed a seasonal variation with the maximum fluxes occurring from June to July. There is a close association between metal fluxes and runoff. The analysis of the heavy metal transfer from the upstream to the downstream revealed that the transfer from the upstream accounted for a major portion of the heavy metals in the Pearl River Delta. Therefore, earlier industry relocation efforts in the Pearl River watershed may have limited effect on the water quality improvement in surrounding areas. It is suggested that watershed-based pollution control measures focusing on wastewater discharge in both upstream and downstream areas should be developed and implemented in the future.

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

A class of migrant workers in China that have left their official rural residence in search of work and wealth in the more developed coastal cities have created a new process of urbanization. The ‘floating population’ numbering 150 million has created immense demand for low-cost housing. Village enterprises within the city region of expanding metropolises have self-organized to supply affordable housing. However, economic incentives and ownership constraints on rural land deter long-term considerations and favour rapid development. The building (and destruction) of a country cannot be recklessly left to coincidental solutions of profit opportunities in remnant policies. An understanding of the systemic political, economic and social properties that generate the built fabric of today and of traditional villages can allow us to manipulate the current process of development. The village of Zhangpeng in Dongguan city of the Pearl River Delta region is on the brink of explosive growth. Major infrastructural developments have been constructed and planned on its expropriated lands. Without proper guidance, the status quo process of urbanization will destroy the village overnight. The proposed alternative is to manipulate market-demand through village-led investment in its public space network in order to spur private development of village properties. The method is through strategic and incremental investment on village public space and property and monitoring the catalytic effect of these changes on private redevelopment. Adjustments in land development is made to steer the built fabric into a form between what the village wants it to become and what it has the propensity to be. The aim is to create a system of land development that will preserve, adapt and extend traditional village fabric and its way of life.

¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@¡@Abstract ¡@¡@In 1997 when Hong kong was returned to mainland China, one state - two systems was promoted. Politics was governed by basic laws. But on economic aspect, it was not until the promotion of CEPA that the economic development was apparently led by the Government, which is completely different from Hong Kong's free marketing trade. Such is the focus of all. The treaty signed between China and Hong kong came into effect in January, 2004. The content mainly includes in three areas -tax -relief on trade products, the import of service trade and investment coporation. CEPA has been carried out for the passed two years, and Hong kong's economic has since climbing upward along side with the tide of the world. To the Taiwanese bussinessmen this has become an increased investment competition stress for them in mainland China. And in turn it might affect Taiwan's economic status. So the influence is profound. ¡@¡@This article first tries to understand the related theories of regional economic integration. Focusing on the present stage after China and Hong Kong signed the treaty CEPA, to observed the operation of the allotment of political strategy between the Central government, localities and Hong Kong. To further understand through refering to all the problems and observation analysis done by experts. To practically understanding the practice of political strategy allotment and the interaction between various regions. With an attempt of analysing the value of political strategies which could in turn benefit analysis study on the adjustment of various trade strtegies. Analysing each and every factor that might cause the future economic development of Hong Kong and Taiwan which includes Govrnments setting of political strategies, international factor and China factor. Try to totally comprehend the role plays by Hong Kong and its interaction with other regional and international economic and trade On the other hand , it is to merge this article's diverse analysis on the impact of CEPA against Taiwan. And to suggest countermeasures in regards to the development of such situation. So as to enhance our competitiveness and to avoid the risk of being cornered. ¡@¡@This context intents to grant the basic introduction of regional economic integration to those who are concerned with China - Hong Kong's CEPA. It also serives as a reference to broaden the sight of business administraters. Last but not least, your comments are most appreciated. Key words¡GCEPA ¡BTheory of integration,regional economic integration,Pan Pearl River Delta¡]PPRD¡^

Since the beginning of the 21st century, regional development has become one of the most vital economic issues in China. Both central and local governments in the nation have implemented policies to reduce regional economic disparities and promote regional integration. On the one hand, the central government has exercised policy and political control to promote regional development. On the other hand, local governments have sought opportunities to foster local economic prosperity by forming more competitive economic blocks with neighboring jurisdictions. In particular, growth poles like the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Pearl River Delta (PRD) have been very active in promoting regional integration and cooperation as they need the support of other hinterlands for further development. Literature review indicates that regional cooperation in China is subjected to the influence of both economic and political factors. Although it seems that there is interaction between such economic and political factors. However, there is a general lack of a comprehensive framework to examine regional cooperation in China from a political and economic dynamic perspective. In order to fill the gap, two game theory models are developed to analyze economic and political incentives for government officials in the context of regional cooperation. The first model attempts to determine the important economic factors that may affect the feasibility of a cooperative project, assuming local government officials are maximizing the absolute economic performance of their jurisdictions. The second model focuses on understanding how the political relationship between provincial leaders may affect regional cooperation between them, assuming local government officials are maximizing the relative economic performance of their jurisdictions. A game theory framework to examine the economic political dynamics of regional in China is developed based on these two models. The game theory analysis reveals that incentives for provincial government leaders to implement cooperation are decided by the consideration of their political career, which is driven by three major forces: central-local government relationship, inter-local government relationship and the potential economic benefit from regional cooperation. Pan-Pearl River Delta (Pan-PRD) Cooperation, a typical inter-provincial cooperative project established in the 21st century, is used as a case study to theory framework. The empirical study indicates that the emergence of Pan-PRD Cooperation benefited from three perspectives: (1) policy support from the central government, (2) uneven political relationship between provincial leaders in Guangdong and other eight provinces, and (3) strengthened economic interaction between Guangdong and other eight provinces. / published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Design / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Hong Kong has long been regarded as a global city and the regional service provider in the Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region, with the provision of an opened and accountable economic and legal system, support of high-quality infrastructure and policies, and being the gateway to enter the Chinese market. This can be reflected by its consistently high score in different global competitiveness ranking index. A lot of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) are attracted by this reputable global city development of the city, establishing their headquarters and other tertiary services in Hong Kong. Other cities in the GPRD region tend to specialize in factory production with their comparative advantage in lower production cost in terms of labour, looser regulations and industrial agglomeration. The functional division in the GPRD region is well defined spatially which can be explained by the traditional "Front office, back factory" model. However, this settings has been changing as many PRD cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai have transformed their city's vision towards a global city currently. These cities have initiated economic restructuring and industrial upgrading towards modern servicing industries, and gradually force out the original factories and production base to less developed PRD cities or other locations beyond the GPRD region. New incentives are offered by the central and municipal government in attracting TNCs to invest in high value-added producer services, establishing Research and Development (R&D) base and headquarters in these PRD cities under urban entrepreneurialism. The dominant role of Hong Kong as a global city and regional service provider is challenged under rapid inter-city competition with these cities. This results in a new spatial dynamics and functional specialization settings for the GPRD region that cannot be explained by the traditional model. This study will examine the existing and potential role of global city development in Hong Kong and other PRD cities with reference to the investment choices of TNCs in the GPRD region. Through a comparative analysis with Guangzhou, the major strengths, weaknesses, and other factors required for global city development of Hong Kong and PRD cities will be identified. In addition, the latest locational settings of different functions will be explored in the case study analysis of TNCs in modern servicing and financing industry, manufacturing industry, and information and high-tech industry. The analysis will assist in identifying potential development opportunities, weaknesses of Hong Kong and PRD cities in attracting further investments from TNCs. Recommendations will be offered at the end of the study to enhance the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong and the GPRD region, through "co-opetition" incentives, fostering the development of GPRD mega-city region under the network city concept, and formulating an updated version of "Front office, back factory" model. / published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Design / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

Recently ranked Skytrax 5-Star Airport, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is well known for its extensive airline networks and quality supporting services. This paper is to evaluate the performance of HKIA as a leading regional aviation hub when encountering the keen competition of four other major airports in Greater Pearl River Delta (GPRD) region; all of which are within a radial distance of 100km of one another. An in-depth comparative analysis for the five GPRD airports is carried out with the application of the Aviation Hub Model and the Airport Competitiveness Index. Together with the review of the development of hub-and-spoke operation strategies, the worldwide air freedom liberalization as well as the national and regional policies, the study highlights the implications and significance drawn from the analysis upon the HKIA and four other GPRD airports. A series of feasible recommendations will be provided on the future development of their positioning and functions. / published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Design / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning

A class of migrant workers in China that have left their official rural residence in search of work and wealth in the more developed coastal cities have created a new process of urbanization. The ‘floating population’ numbering 150 million has created immense demand for low-cost housing. Village enterprises within the city region of expanding metropolises have self-organized to supply affordable housing. However, economic incentives and ownership constraints on rural land deter long-term considerations and favour rapid development. The building (and destruction) of a country cannot be recklessly left to coincidental solutions of profit opportunities in remnant policies. An understanding of the systemic political, economic and social properties that generate the built fabric of today and of traditional villages can allow us to manipulate the current process of development. The village of Zhangpeng in Dongguan city of the Pearl River Delta region is on the brink of explosive growth. Major infrastructural developments have been constructed and planned on its expropriated lands. Without proper guidance, the status quo process of urbanization will destroy the village overnight. The proposed alternative is to manipulate market-demand through village-led investment in its public space network in order to spur private development of village properties. The method is through strategic and incremental investment on village public space and property and monitoring the catalytic effect of these changes on private redevelopment. Adjustments in land development is made to steer the built fabric into a form between what the village wants it to become and what it has the propensity to be. The aim is to create a system of land development that will preserve, adapt and extend traditional village fabric and its way of life.