abstract / toc / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Environmental Management / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Real Estate and Construction / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

本研究旨在提供一個能針對不同背景的框架來建議如何於中國城市總體規劃中應用戰略環評來體現綠色城市發展，並指出當中的關鍵議題。現時中國正在經歷一個前所未有的城市化趨勢，面臨種種的環境挑戰，中國中央政府在其施政方針中採納低碳發展、生態友好及資源有效利用的發展模式來規劃綠色城市。不過，在規劃綠色城市的過程中無可避免地會面對到障礙。戰略環境評價是被大多數研究確立為一種可達到可持續發展目標的工具，並賦有多種功能，包括影響評估、主動整合及強化管治體制，這些功能都被確立幫助為解決在城市總體規劃中發展綠色城市的障礙策略。 / 由於戰略環評的運作必須適應其實施的背景，本研究會就如何在中國這獨特的背景下有效地應用戰略環評的功能來協助綠色城市規劃建立一個全面的框架，並以此進一步探討這些功能如何在現實中運作。本研究會基於這框架來進行個案研究，探討目前戰略環評在城市總體規劃是如何實踐其三大功能於綠色城市發展上，以及發掘當中的細節及複雜性。此外，在個案研究中亦會分析中國現時城市管治體制會為戰略環評在發揮其功能時帶來的機遇和挑戰。此分析能為以後在中國實踐戰略環評的不同功能時提供具價值的參考，讓戰略環評能被有效地利用在城市總體規劃中協助綠色城市的發展。福州和深圳是本研究的調查個案。調查會基於法定文件、戰略環評技術導則和戰略環評評估報告的文本分析，及與規劃環評從業者、規劃者和專家進行的深入訪談內容。調查會識別出關於如何於中國城市總體規劃中應用戰略環評來體現綠色城市發展的關鍵議題，並作出討論，提出相應的建議。此研究能豐富如何於中國城市總體規劃中應用戰略環評來體現綠色城市發展的具體討論，亦可提供能切合中國背景的建議，以解決在城市總體規劃過程中會面對的障礙，並實踐可持續發展的城市規劃的願景。 / This research aims at providing a context-specific framework to suggest how to utilize the functions of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for green city planning in China and identify the key issues accordingly. Under an unprecedented pace of urbanization, China is adopting, as a policy, the development mode of low carbon, ecological friendliness and resource efficiency which is generally referred to as “green city“ development. Nevertheless, there are barriers for green city development and transition. SEA, heralded by many as one of the major tools for sustainable development, is noted for its multi-functionality of impact assessment, proactive integration and governance enhancement. / Considering SEA’s context-specificity, a holistic framework has been established in this study to examine how the functions of SEA have been implemented in the unique context of China. Using such framework, two case studies have been undertaken to review how SEA has been applied to urban master planning and to unravel the complexity of its operation in respect of the three functions of SEA. The analysis has identified some lessons that warrant learning as well as the opportunities and challenges provided by the wider China context. This study provides suggestions for improving SEA operation for green city development. Fuzhou and Shenzhen were chosen as cases for analysis. Statutory documents, technical guidance and SEA reports on the urban master plan had been reviewed while in-depth interviews with practitioners, planners and experts were also conducted to explore the SEA process and the key issues. This context-specific discussion can enrich insights on China SEA practice and provide China specific practical suggestions for improving the urban master planning process and attaining urban sustainability. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chan, Foon Tung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-148). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xi / Abbreviations --- p.xii / Terms in English, Chinese, and Chinese pinyin --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research objectives --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research questions --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Structure of the thesis --- p.7 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- Urban master planning for green city development --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Elucidation of the concepts of green city --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Master planning for green cities in China --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Barriers for green city development in the planning process --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Strategic environmental assessment --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Definition of strategic environmental assessment --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- SEA of urban master planning in China --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Evolution of SEA --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- SEA as a means to address the barriers of green city planning --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4 --- Context specificity of SEA --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Importance of considering context specificity --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Impacts of context on SEA --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- The context of China --- p.35 / Chapter 2.5 --- Summary --- p.38 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Methodology --- p.40 / Chapter 3.1 --- Research approach --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2 --- Research framework --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3 --- Research strategies --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Document review --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Cases study --- p.50 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Contextualized Framework for Investigation --- p.53 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2 --- Review of PEIA mechanism applied to urban master planning --- p.53 / Chapter 4.3 --- Conclusion --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Results of Analysis and Investigation --- p.62 / Chapter 5.1 --- Conceptual level --- p.62 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Review of statutory documents --- p.62 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Content analysis of PEIA reports --- p.64 / Chapter 5.2 --- Operational level --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Case study: Fuzhou --- p.68 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Case study: Shenzhen --- p.80 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Lessons learned --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Concluding remarks at the operational level --- p.102 / Chapter 5.3 --- Institutional level --- p.103 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Opportunities and challenges --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Discussion --- p.110 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.110 / Chapter 6.2 --- Key issues --- p.110 / Chapter 6.3 --- Implications and recommendations --- p.112 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Realizing the multi-functionality of PEIA --- p.112 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Recognizing existing strengths --- p.113 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Making up the insufficiency of urban master plan --- p.115 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Addressing the weaknesses of current PEIA mechanism --- p.116 / Chapter 6.3.5 --- Strengthening current capacity --- p.117 / Chapter 6.3.6 --- Recognizing the role of facilitators and mediators --- p.118 / Chapter 6.3.7 --- Realizing the political dynamics of urban governance --- p.119 / Chapter 6.3.8 --- Encouraging the use of PEIA in decision-making --- p.121 / Chapter 6.3.9 --- Substantiating current guidance notes --- p.122 / Chapter 6.3.10 --- Selection of indicators for reviewing the effectiveness of PEIA for green city development --- p.123 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusions --- p.124 / Chapter 7.1 --- Key findings --- p.124 / Chapter 7.2 --- Research limitations --- p.126 / Chapter 7.3 --- Recommendations for future research --- p.127 / Chapter 7.4 --- Concluding remarks --- p.129 / Chapter Appendix I --- List of PEIA reports reviewed --- p.130 / Chapter Appendix II --- A full list of the interviewees in this research --- p.131 / Chapter Appendix III --- Guiding questions for semi-structured interviews --- p.132 / References --- p.135