The Framework Agreement is the first stage of implementation of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)’s consultation document The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta 2008-20202 (The Outline), which was released in December 2008. Read the full submission here.

This paper will principally address measures to tackle cross-border air pollution, and touch briefly on cross-border nature conservation initiatives, and, although not included in this paper, the supply of fresh water to Hong Kong and the PRD. It is noted that neither climate change nor the low carbon economy is directly addressed in The Framework. These will not be addressed. For all aspects it will be essential to develop timelines, budgets and goals, and identify responsible bodies to transform The Framework from a broad agreement into measurable improvements in the environmental quality of the PRD region.