AGP Executive Report

Beach Water Monitoring: Hong Kong’s EPD released the latest grades for 39 gazetted beaches plus one non-gazetted site, with 9 rated Good, 22 Fair, 8 Poor and 1 Very Poor; several beaches shifted grades after recent rain, including Stanley Main Beach falling from Grade 1 to 2 and St. Stephen’s Beach dropping to 4, though changes were described as within normal natural fluctuation. Urban Green Space Works: Macau’s IAM will start improvement works at Lou Lim Ioc Park on 20 July, replacing aging irrigation and water filtration systems; parts of the park will be enclosed in phases for about 100 working days, with visitors urged to stay away from restricted areas. Tourism Campaign (Low-carbon angle): Macau’s Government Tourism Office teamed up with Flyday HK on “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” promoting running-based “urban exploration” routes that include heritage and community themes, positioning the city’s neighborhoods as a tourism draw. Sewage Infrastructure Upgrade: A Hong Kong project to relocate the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works into caverns has moved forward, with an Egis-SMEDI joint venture selected for programme coordination and advisory work; the plan aims to free up about 28 hectares of waterfront land and improve the surrounding environment. Climate/Heat Context: Health authorities in Hong Kong urged stronger personal and environmental hygiene as COVID-19 and influenza activity rises, with added attention to precautions during extreme weather.

Summer Safety Push: Macao’s Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) held a summer safety meeting to tighten flood-prevention and disaster-relief readiness, with extra inspections and risk controls for municipal markets and hawker zones, green areas, food safety, and public awareness. Beach Water Monitoring: Hong Kong’s EPD released the latest water quality grades for 39 gazetted beaches and one non-gazetted site, with nine rated Good, 22 Fair, eight Poor, and one Very Poor, and noted rating shifts after recent rain. Park Works in Macau: IAM will start phased improvement works at Lou Lim Ioc Park from 20 July, replacing aging irrigation and water filtration systems; parts of the park will be enclosed for about 100 working days. Health & Hygiene Reminder: Hong Kong health authorities urged stronger personal and environmental hygiene as COVID-19 and seasonal influenza activity rose, including sewage surveillance concerns. Infrastructure for Cleaner Water: A Hong Kong sewage treatment works relocation project advanced, aiming to move major treatment capacity into caverns and free up waterfront land for future public use.

Beach Water Watch: The Environmental Protection Department released updated water quality grades for 39 gazetted beaches plus one non-gazetted site, with 9 beaches rated Good (Grade 1), 22 Fair (Grade 2), 8 Poor (Grade 3) and 1 Very Poor (Grade 4); compared with last week, Stanley Main Beach fell from Grade 1 to Grade 2, Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach from Grade 2 to Grade 3, and St. Stephen’s Beach from Grade 2 to Grade 4, with changes said to be within normal natural fluctuation. Green City Life: Lou Lim Ioc Park in Macau will undergo improvement works from 20 July to refresh its irrigation and water filtration systems, with phased closures and public advised to avoid enclosed areas during about 100 working days. Tourism + Low-Impact Movement: The Macao Government Tourism Office and Flyday HK launched “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” a running-and-urban-exploration campaign built around four theme routes to help visitors experience neighbourhoods in a low-carbon way. Smart Care for Ageing: MTel signed AI cooperation deals with Jiangnan University and a CAS-linked firm to develop an AI-powered smart care solution for households and senior care institutions, aligning with Macau’s diversification push. Skills for Inclusion: Caritas Macau announced the Macau Abilympics next month at USJ and UTM, featuring 14 categories including floral arrangement, outdoor photography and English word processing for people with disabilities.

Smart Elder Care Tech: Macau telecom operator MTel signed AI cooperation pacts with Jiangnan University and other partners to build an AI-powered smart care solution for households and senior care institutions, framed around “Smart Golden Years.” Public Health & Hygiene: Hong Kong health officials reported rising COVID-19 and influenza activity and urged residents to keep strict personal and environmental hygiene, with mask use for higher-risk people in crowded settings. Water & Coastal Environment: Hong Kong’s Drainage Services Department awarded a major €4bn sewage treatment works relocation delivery role, aiming to move Sha Tin’s facility into caverns and free up about 28 hectares of waterfront for future public use. Park Works in Macau: Lou Lim Ioc Park will close parts of its irrigation and water filtration areas from 20 July for about 100 working days to replace aging systems, with phased enclosures for safety. Green Mobility Inspiration (GBA): Shenzhen highlighted its mountain-sea greenway and cycling routes, including the Kunpeng Trail, as a model for urban ecological connectivity. Sustainability Education: A youth STEM push in London focused on reducing food waste, spotlighting practical solutions from monitoring to circular-economy ideas.

Macau Economy & Tourism: The Macau Economic Association says GDP in the first half of 2026 reached MOP209.5 billion, up about 5% year-on-year, with tourism and visitor arrivals still driving recovery, though June saw a temporary leisure slowdown and gaming revenue falling to MOP18.5 billion amid the FIFA World Cup. Food Safety: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau ordered immediate suspension and rectification for “Healer Bar” after Salmonella was found again in a ready-to-eat sample, following earlier non-compliance involving Clostridium perfringens. Public Health & Hygiene: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating a rat Hepatitis E virus infection case and urges stronger rodent prevention plus good personal, food, and environmental hygiene. Inclusive Skills & Community: Caritas Macau announced the Macau Abilympics next month at University of Saint Joseph and UTM, with 14 categories including floral arrangement and outdoor photography. Green/Health Education: St Magdalene School launched Macau’s first AI-powered exercise and health classroom, using assessments to generate tailored exercise plans under professional supervision. Biodiversity & Climate Risk (Regional): A report warns rising seas, garbage, and heat could cut migratory shorebird habitat by half by 2050, with Brazil’s wetlands highlighted.

Food Safety Watch: Macau’s IAM ordered “Healer Bar” to suspend operations after a repeat Salmonella finding in a ready-to-eat dish, demanding cleaning, disinfection, and a full review of food handling and storage. Heat & Public Health: CHP urged residents to take precautions against heat-related illness as summer intensifies, highlighting the health risks tied to extreme weather. Biodiversity & Climate Impacts: A report on Brazil’s migratory shorebirds warns that rising seas, garbage, and heat could wipe out up to half of key coastal wetland habitat by 2050, with mangrove degradation threatening species like the red knot. Sustainable Tourism Angle: An APEC tourism piece argues Macao can drive more sustainable tourism by using cultural heritage as both the attraction and the identity-shaping force behind visitor experiences. Green Operations: Galaxy Entertainment Group says it is deepening sustainability in Macau through low-carbon operations, green procurement, and landscape-resource upcycling aligned with “dual-carbon” goals. Community Learning: St Magdalene School launched Macau’s first AI-powered exercise and health classroom, using smart bikes and health assessments to tailor safer activity plans for children.

Heat & Health Watch: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection urged residents to prevent heat-related illness during very hot weather, stressing hydration, light clothing, ventilation, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. Food Safety in Macau: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau ordered “Healer Bar” to suspend operations and rectify after a repeat Salmonella finding in a ready-to-eat dish, following earlier excessive Clostridium perfringens results. Low-Carbon Transport Policy: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau said it may consider banning new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, while studying a cut-off year under the long-term decarbonization plan aiming for near-zero emissions by 2050. Aging & Rehabilitation Governance: Macau set up two interdepartmental coordination groups to implement its 10-year elderly and rehabilitation action plans, with cross-department targets and regular progress reviews. Climate Threats to Wildlife: A new report highlights how rising seas, garbage and heat could wipe out up to half of migratory shorebird wetland habitats by 2050, with mangrove loss a key driver. Inclusive Learning Tech: St Magdalene School launched Macau’s first AI-powered exercise and health classroom with MPU support, using tailored prescriptions approved by professionals.

Food Safety Watch: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) ordered “Healer Bar” in Travessa do Padre Soares to suspend operations and carry out cleaning, disinfection, and a full review after a follow-up test found Salmonella in a ready-to-eat dish, marking repeat non-compliance after earlier bacteria violations. Heat & Public Health: The Centre for Health Protection urged residents to prevent heat-related illness during very hot weather by hydrating, using breathable clothing, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, and taking extra care for children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions. Transport Decarbonisation: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau said it is not ruling out a ban on new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, while studying the cut-off year under the long-term decarbonisation plan aiming for near-zero emissions by 2050. Mangrove Learning for Kids: A new children’s picture book, “Paw Paw Dragon: The Secret Maze of the Mangroves,” was launched to boost mangrove and wetland conservation awareness, tackling issues like plastic pollution and habitat loss across Macau and Hengqin. Rodent-Borne Risk: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a human case of rat Hepatitis E virus and reminded the public to maintain strong personal, food, and environmental hygiene and strengthen rodent prevention. Green Operations in Macau: Galaxy Entertainment Group highlighted sustainability progress tied to China’s “dual-carbon” goals, including landscape-resource upcycling and expanded green procurement and community initiatives.

Food Safety Watch: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) ordered an immediate suspension and rectification for “Healer Bar” after a follow-up food sampling found Salmonella in a ready-to-eat dish, marking repeat non-compliance within a short period and triggering deep cleaning, disinfection, and a full review of food handling and storage. Public Health & Hygiene: The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus, urging stronger personal, food, and environmental hygiene plus effective rodent prevention and control. Heat-Health Alerts: CHP reminded residents to prevent heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke with timely hydration, light breathable clothing, better ventilation, reduced outdoor exertion, and extra care for infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. Decarbonisation Policy: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau said it is not ruling out banning new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, while studying the cut-off year under the long-term decarbonisation roadmap toward near-zero emissions by 2050. Mangrove Education: A new children’s picture book, “Paw Paw Dragon: The Secret Maze of the Mangroves,” was launched to boost mangrove and wetland conservation awareness, highlighting shared ecology between Macau and Hengqin and warning about plastic pollution and habitat loss. Greener Gaming & Operations: Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) reported expanded sustainability work in Macau, including landscape-resource upcycling, low-carbon operations, and green procurement aligned with dual-carbon goals.

Heat & Health Watch: Hong Kong’s CHP urged residents to prevent heat-related illness during very hot weather, stressing hydration, light clothing, ventilation, reduced outdoor exertion, and extra care for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Rodent-Borne Risk: CHP is investigating a human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus, reminding the public to keep personal, food, and environmental hygiene and to strengthen rodent prevention and control. Macau Decarbonization Push: Macau’s DSPA said it has not ruled out banning new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, while studying a cut-off year under the long-term decarbonization plan aiming for near-zero emissions by 2050 and zero-emission targets for new light vehicles and motorcycles by 2035. Green Education for Kids: A new children’s picture book, “Paw Paw Dragon: The Secret Maze of the Mangroves,” was launched to promote mangrove conservation and wetland ecology, highlighting plastic pollution and habitat degradation in the Macau–Hengqin “sea forest” ecosystem. Greener Macau Operations: Galaxy Entertainment Group outlined sustainability work aligned with “dual-carbon,” including landscape upcycling, low-carbon operations, and green procurement, supported by local SMEs and EarthCheck certifications. Responsible Gaming Training: Sands China launched a responsible gaming youth talent programme with UM, using industry-academia-community collaboration to build practical risk-awareness skills for sustainable tourism and leisure.

Transport Decarbonisation: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau says it has not ruled out banning new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, but would weigh public consensus; under the Long-Term Decarbonization Strategy, authorities are studying a cut-off year, aiming for near-zero land transport emissions by 2050 and zero-emission targets for new light vehicles and motorcycles by 2035. Heat-Health Preparedness: The Centre for Health Protection urged residents to prevent heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke during very hot weather, with advice on hydration, light clothing, ventilation/AC, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, and extra care for children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions. Mangrove & Wetland Education: A new children’s picture book, “Paw Paw Dragon: The Secret Maze of the Mangroves,” was launched at the Macau Book Carnival to boost awareness of mangrove ecosystems and shared Macau–Hengqin natural heritage, including risks like plastic pollution and habitat loss. Family Support Services: The Social Welfare Bureau launched the first “Baby-Friendly Service Stations” at subsidised childcare centres, using a “refueling station” concept to provide structured parenting support. Summer Safety Coordination: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a meeting pushing public entities to strengthen flood prevention and disaster-response planning to prevent major accidents during summer.

Leachate Alert: Macau’s EPD reported suspected leachate leakage at the West New Territories Landfill, with most flow intercepted by a silt curtain; water samples were collected and follow-up steps include tankers to remove leachate, upstream diversion, and extra sandbags/silt curtains. Summer Safety Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a meeting urging public entities to step up hazard identification and coordination for Macau’s “summer safety,” aligning with flood-prevention and disaster-relief instructions to protect lives and property. Mangrove Education for Kids: A new children’s picture book, “Paw Paw Dragon: The Secret Maze of the Mangroves,” was launched at the Macau Book Carnival to boost mangrove and wetland awareness, linking Macau and Hengqin and calling out threats like plastic pollution and habitat degradation. Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers: The Labour Affairs Bureau increased inspections and heatstroke-prevention measures for outdoor work as temperatures rise, including cooling-vest support and other protective gear. Baby-Friendly Support: IAS launched the “Childcare Centre Support Plan – Baby-Friendly Service Stations,” using subsidised childcare centres as “service stations” to support families through parenting stages. GreenTech Spotlight: The TVB Green Summit 2026 in Hong Kong focused on using AI to accelerate the green transition, linking government, business, and research for net-zero goals.

Environmental Incident Watch: Macau’s EPD reported suspected leachate leakage at the West New Territories Landfill, with most contamination intercepted by silt curtains; water samples were taken and follow-up actions include tankers to remove leachate and added diversion and silt measures to protect Tai Shui Hang and Deep Bay. Heat & Worker Safety: DSAL stepped up heatstroke prevention for outdoor workers as summer intensifies, citing 495 site inspections in June and promoting cooling vests, heat-resistant clothing, sun protection and portable fans, alongside calls for clearer extreme-heat guidelines. Climate & Built Environment: UM professor Zeng Zhaoyun helped revise ASHRAE’s climate change position document, highlighting how building HVAC&R systems can cut emissions and improve resilience. Marine Data for Conservation: HKUST launched the public WavyOcean Digital Twin Earth System v3.0 to make ocean ecosystem data easier to explore, aiming to support marine conservation and better public action. Green Tech in the Region: Hong Kong’s TVB Green Summit 2026 focused on AI-enabled green technology and net-zero transition pathways for the city and the Greater Bay Area. Sustainability Education: Canon Hongkong’s 15th ink cartridge recycling awards continued environmental education through school participation and hands-on STEAM workshops.

Heat Safety in Focus: Macau’s Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL) is stepping up protection for outdoor workers as summer intensifies, running 495 site inspections in June and pushing heatstroke prevention measures like cooling vests, heat-resistant clothing, sun protection and fans. Pollution Watch: The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) reported suspected leachate leakage at West New Territories Landfill, saying most was intercepted by silt curtains; it collected water samples and ordered tankers, upstream diversion and extra silt measures while monitoring Tai Shui Hang and Deep Bay. Green Built Environment: University of Macau (UM) staff helped revise an ASHRAE climate change position document, highlighting the role of buildings and HVAC systems in both cutting emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Low-Carbon Retrofit Momentum: Macau’s wider region saw low-carbon retrofit pilots advance, with UM-linked climate/built-environment expertise echoed by international work on energy-saving building upgrades. Community & Sustainability Education: Canon Hong Kong’s 15th ink cartridge recycling award ceremony promoted environmental education through school participation and hands-on STEAM activities. Local Governance & Planning: Macau is consulting on amendments to its Urban Master Plan, including possible land premium reductions for urban renewal, while residents raised concerns about timelines and ecological/traffic strain. Local Economy Signals: Macau’s consumer confidence in Q2 inched up but stayed below the benchmark, with price and employment the biggest gain areas. Civic Incentives Debate: A civic leader urged more consumption rewards, including a “student card” for small purchases and more tourist instant rebates via digital wallets.

Leachate Alert in Macau: The Environmental Protection Department reported suspected leachate leakage at the West New Territories Landfill, with most contamination intercepted by a silt curtain; water samples were taken and follow-up steps include tankers to remove leachate, upstream diversion, and extra sandbags and silt curtains to protect Tai Shui Hang and Deep Bay. Urban Renewal Consultation: Macau is consulting on amendments to its Urban Master Plan that could waive or reduce land premium payments for urban renewal, while residents raised concerns about planning backlogs and whether major projects could strain ecological limits and worsen traffic. Heat Safety for Outdoor Workers: The Labour Affairs Bureau stepped up heatstroke prevention as summer intensifies, citing 495 inspections in June and promoting cooling vests, heat-resistant clothing, sun protection, and fans, alongside calls for clearer working guidelines in extreme heat. GreenTech and Climate Skills: University of Macau staff helped revise an ASHRAE climate-change position document, while Macau also held a meteorological technician training closing ceremony to build local capacity for extreme weather readiness. Waste Education Push: Canon Hong Kong’s 15th inter-school ink cartridge recycling awards highlighted environmental education through school recycling and hands-on STEAM activities. Green Summit in the GBA: TVB’s “Green Summit 2026” focused on AI-enabled green technology to speed up net-zero efforts across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

Environmental Incident Watch: Macau’s Environmental Protection Department investigated suspected leachate leakage at the West New Territories Landfill after finding it at a stormwater outfall near Tai Shui Hang; most was intercepted by a silt curtain, water samples showed normal dissolved oxygen and pH, and follow-up actions included tankers to remove leachate, upstream diversion, and extra sandbags and silt curtains. Heat & Worker Safety: The Labour Affairs Bureau stepped up heatstroke prevention for outdoor workers as summer intensifies, citing 495 site inspections in June and promoting cooling vests, heat-resistant clothing, sun protection and fans, while calling for clearer guidelines. Low-Carbon Built Environment: University of Macau research fed into an ASHRAE climate-change position document update, highlighting the role of buildings and HVAC&R in mitigation and adaptation. GreenTech & AI Transition: Hong Kong’s TVB Green Summit 2026 pushed “AI-empowered green technology” as a driver for net-zero and sustainability across government, business and research. Marine Conservation Data Access: HKUST launched the public WavyOcean Digital Twin Earth System 3.0 to help people explore ocean data and better support marine conservation. Community Sustainability Education: Canon Hong Kong’s 15th ink cartridge recycling award ceremony in July promoted environmental education through school participation and hands-on STEAM activities. Urban Renewal Planning: Macau’s consultation on amending the Urban Master Plan raised questions about timelines, land reserves and green transport, with some residents worried major projects could strain ecological limits and worsen traffic. Nature-Inspired Culture: Review of Culture (International Edition) released a “Natural Philosophy” issue exploring Taoist eco-meditation, eco-civilisation ideas, and Macau’s nature-linked poetry and garden culture.