Balancing economic growth and eco protection

Laurence McCook

Economic growth and sustainable development are two important issues in developing the marine economy, according to Laurence McCook, head of Oceans Conservation for WWF Hong Kong.

“We must seek balance between the two and adopt a holistic viewpoint to consider the cost while pursuing profit,” said McCook.

The Chinese Government attaches great importance to ecological development. In his congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2019 China Marine Economy Expo, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese Government highly values the conservation of marine ecology, protection of biodiversity, prevention and treatment of marine pollution and the utilization of marine resources. Some provincial and city governments have started to use GEP to evaluate performance. McCook thinks the Chinese Government has set a good example in this respect.

“I have worked in conservation of marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs, for years and once participated in Shenzhen’s activity in marine conservation,” said McCook. Shenzhen can provide experience for other Chinese cities and world cities through its forward-looking marine exploration, he said.

“Shenzhen should not only play an important role in protecting the existing ecological environment, but also set an example in restoring ecological systems. I think Shenzhen is seeking a balance in economic development and environmental protection,” McCook said.