5,2 million SEK to development projects
in China
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is supporting two development projects on drinking water management and the pulp- and paper industry in China, with a total cost of 5,2 million. The projects are in cooperation with China’s ministry for environmental protection, MEP.
“The projects will support China in their capacity building to set up modern, efficient environmental operations, through legislation, administration and monitoring systems,” says Marianne Tegman, head of the International project unit at the Swedish EPA.
“Our international development cooperation is a part of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's global programme, which is financed by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). We contribute with our long experience of organising activities in the environmental field,” Tegman adds.
Protect fresh water
The rapidly growing economy in China has led to severe problems with pollution and lack of drinking water. The project will strengthen the capacity of water management with a focus on drinking water within MEP, regional and local environmental agencies. The goals include providing recommendations for management systems and protection of fresh water, introducing methods for ecological evaluations and developing technological methods for alarm systems and crisis management for fresh water.
Manage and reduce emissions
China has one of the fastest growing pulp- and paper industries which is also one of the most polluting sectors. The project will support relevant factors to fulfil the requirements of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs), and to manage and reduce emissions. The goals are to support sustainable development by; developing and revising relevant legislation; standards and regulations; increase environmental awareness; increase energy efficiency; and, the conservation and more efficient use of raw materials.
The development projects will be undertaken between 2008-2010 and have a total budget of SEK 13 million. The project on drinking water management has a total budget of 9,6 million, of which the Swedish EPA contributes with 3,6 million. The project on the pulp- and paper industry has a total budget of 3,4 million, of which Naturvårdsverket contributes with 1,6 million.
For more information, please contact:
Marianne Tegman, Head of the International Project Unit, +46 (0)8-698 11 37. Marianne.Tegman(a)naturvardsverket.se
Anneli Nivrén, Public Relations Officer, +46 (0)8-698 13 12, +46 (0)70-206 37 27, anneli.nivren(a)naturvardsverket.se