Diatom Distribution in Marine Sediments and the Paleoenvironmental history of Hong Kong (1993-1995) This Project uses diatom microfossils to reconstruct the last quaternary paleoenvironmental history and sea level changes of the Hong Kong continental shelf. This will be achieved through studies of sediment cores. Diatoms will be used as environmental indicators and to assist in this process modern diatom floras in seafloor muds will be related to their present environmental setting. Dr. R. Bernhart Owen The Geomorphology and Paleoenvironment History of Quaternary lakes on the Cariboo Plateau, British Columbia, Canada (1991-1993) This Project attemps to produce sedimentological and geomorphological models of modern saline-alkaline lakes in South British Columbia, Canada. The major aims are to produce maps of the lake mineralogy, gain size and microfossil Holocene history of the area by studying lake sediment profiles. Dr. R. Bernhart Owen The Ecological Consequences of Deforestation in Changjiang (Yangtze River) Basin (1992) Logging, clearing of forests of cultivation, and forest fires have seriously upset the ecological balance of the Changjiang basin. The study tries to assess the problems of deforestation of the eight provinces along the Changjiang basin since 1949. It also examines the implications of the recent Shelter-Forest System scheme in the middle and upper region of Changjing for the Three Gorges Dam Project. Dr. Wong Koon Kwai Environmental Consciousness, Policy Implementation and Administrative Capacity in the People's Republic of China: Guangzhou, Nanjing and Zhengzhou (1990-1993) This project studies the current state of environmental administration in three Chinese cities: Guandzhou, Nanjing, and Zhengzhou. Through in-depth interviews with the officials from the Environmental Protection Bureau of the respective cities, we try to (a) assess the officals' environmental consciousness; (b) examine the rationale of the the bureaus environmental policy strategy; and (c) evaluate the administrative capacities of the bureaus in achieving sucessful policy implementation. The findings will shed light on the actual workings and ploicy underpinnings of China's environmental administration. Dr. Wong Koon Kwai Dr. Hon S. Chan (Dept. Public & Social Administration, CPHK) Mr. K.C. Cheung (Dept. Management, HKP) Mr. Jack Lo (Dept. Management, HKP) New Environmental Paradigm Survey 1991 (1991-1992) The survey investigated three aspects of environment attitude of the general public in Hong Kong: (1) the environmental behaviour of the respondents; (2) their acceptaance of the New Environmental Paradigm; and (3) their perception of the urgency of environmental problems in Hong Kong. A total of 1527 respondents were interviewed at 50 carefully selected locations around Hong Kong. The data were subsequently analyzed to examine the relationship between environmental attitudes and the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. The project also compared the results of this study with similiar kind of surveys conducted in other countries to furnish a cross-national perspective of environmental awareness. Dr. Wong Koon Kwai Dr. Ng Cho Nam (Department of Applied Science, CPHK) Mr. Ng Ting Leung, Gordon (Conservancy Association) Research and Control of Landslides and Debris Flows in the Loess Region of Gansu Province, China (1987-1990) Landslides and debris flows are a recurrent hazard in the loess (yellow soil) country if central China. Between 1965 and 1979 more than 1000 large landslides took place in Gansu Province, killing over 2000 people and causing great demage to farmland and property. This collaborative research between the University of Leicester, UK (funded by the EEC), the Gansu Geological Hazards Institute in Lanzhou and the Baptist College aims to determine the distribution of landslides and debris flows in the Gansu loess region. The investigators will evaluate the category of risk posed by landslides and debris flows in this region. By means of modelling studies and geotechnical and geomorphological mapping, the investigators will predict the landslide and debris flow events in order to arrive at a strategy for their control, remedial measures, and adjustments to land use practices where appropriate. Prof Edward Derbyshine (Dept. Geography, University of Leicester, UK) Dr. Lewis A. Owen Prof Wang, Jingtai Palaeoenvironmental Change and Landscape Evolution in the Canadian High Arctic (1990-1993) This research project aims to make a study of the past and present environmental conditions in the Canadian High Arctic. This involves detailed field work on Ellesmere Island, remote sensing, laboratory analysis of sediments, dating of organiz remains, and geological and geomorphological mapping. This will help evaluate past changes in the earth's climate and the role of earth surface processes in landscape evolution. Prof John England (Dept. of Geography, University of Alberta, Canada) Dr. Lewis A. Owen Quaternary History and Geomorphological Study of "Little Tibet", Landkh (1990-1991) This research project will make a study of the past and present geomorphological and geological processes that have led to the formation of this unique region of the Himalayas. The project also aims to identify the natural hazards present in this region which threaten the mountain people. An evaluation of the past changes in climate and environments will also be made during the study. Dr Lewis A. Owen Prof John England (Dept. of Geography, U of Alberta) Dr Raynor Shaw (Hong Kong Geological Survey) Environmental Appreciation, Awareness and Education in Hong Kong (1988-1989) This study aimed to improve environmental appreciation, awareness and education in Hong Kong. Vegetation identification is an essential step towards an understanding of the natural environment. The available guides are deemed too comprehensive and are offen written in botanical language. They are not easy to follow by persons without botanical training. Booklets were produced using trees to convey messages on man-environment interaction and the benefits of green spaces and to augment awareness and appreciation of environmental problems. Mr. Yeung Ka Ming Dr. Jim Chi Yung (Dept. of Geography and Geology, HKU) .