The gradual improvement of the living quality of the population is one of the objectives contemplated in the Action Plan of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Therefore, commitment and efforts are necessary to improve the social and urban facilities, of which environmental protection is one of the indispensable undertakings.

Besides the active participation and cooperation of citizens and of people from different social classes, the implementation of appropriate and effective measures is also an important element of environmental protection work. Then, the execution of studies and the data collection and analysis on the state of the environment provide valuable references for the government in preparation and implementation of such measures.

Based on the research and studies carried out last year, the Environment Council completed in publishing the Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2001, in which data and information on different environmental aspects are being analysed. This enables us to increase our understanding on the environment and also to supply critical reference information for the government when drawing up policies.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my cordially gratitude to the staff that has been enthusiastically participating in the making of the Report on the State of the Environment of Macao 2001 and to the cooperation of relevant departments and organizations.

Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ao Man Long