A holistic approach

The abolition of the planned garbage incinerator plant in Panyu district of Guangzhou is of significance not limited to the environmental concern of local residents. The entire process from the protest mounted by local residents to the heated debate, and finally to the withdrawal of the project sends a message of double meaning.

On the one hand, local residents are more conscious now to defend for their rights and interests. When the incineration project was announced in October, local residents expressed concerns and demanded for their right to know whether harmful emissions from the incinerator would pollute the air, which could lead to deteriorating health.

Meanwhile, the Panyu district government has been open to opinions and barbs by local residents. Local authorities said that the project could start only after it obtains an acceptable environmental impact assessment. The authorities later apologized for its failure to solicit the opinion of local residents before making a decision on the proposed project.