Roles and functions of sustainability indicators in river revitalization : a case study of Yuen Long Town Nullah

Abstract

Sustainable development has been an emerging trend in worldwide projects for securing the assets available to future generations, yet, there are often disputes over the sustainability of a project. Sustainability indicators are therefore suggested to serve as a quantitative tool to analyze the changes and measure progress of a sustainable development. By engaging the public for identification of such indicators, their opinions of a development can be documented and then conveyed to the decision makers at the planning stage. It is anticipated that the actual needs of the local communities can be reflected in and communicated by these sustainability indicators.

In this Study, Yuen Long Town Nullah was picked to be a pilot study to demonstrate the role and function of sustainability indicators. It is a part of the oldest drainage systems in Hong Kong and was constructed in the early 1960’s to alleviate flooding. Like many other nullahs, it was originated from natural watercourses and has then been straightened and provided with concrete bed and walls. Over the years, it has been complained of eyesore problem, foul smell, and accumulation of refuse. In order to address these urban problems in parallel with the lack of open space, revitalization of the Nullah has been opted for re-establishing riverscapes and providing valuable recreational space by turning the Nullah into community assets.

In total, 202 sets of questionnaires were collected for gathering the general perception and identification of local sustainability indicators of Yuen Long Town Nullah. 4 interviews with various stakeholders were also conducted for giving comments on sustainability indicators, government’s policy towards sustainable development, recommendations on monitoring the sustainability progress and the sustainability indicators for developing Yuen Long Town Nullah based on their experiences. In general, the local communities concerned the environmental aspect the most but economic aspect the least. A sustainability indicator framework was proposed at the last part of this Study to conclude the findings from the questionnaire survey and the interviews.