CIA The World Factbook

YI: Let's talk about environmental protection. Can you describe this green concept that you and Cango initiated?

Huang Haoming: I think this is a very interesting topic. Four years ago, Cango staff worked with the EDF (Environment Defense Fund) based in NY, working together on Beijing's air quality because at that time we were concerned about it, particularly on how it would affect the Olympic Games. Later, we established several programs like the Green Community. This is a big program, intended to improve the air quality. Because of China's economic 10 percent economic growth rate, there is an increase in the number of cars, especially in Beijing. For example, there are 1000 new cars every day. This is a major problem for the air quality. So Cango and environmental organizations worked together. First, we established the China Environment Projection agency to do the research, then we carried an advocacy program to convince people about the Green Community to change their transportation style. We campaigned for more use of the subway, city trains, public bus or even the traditional bicycle. We iniatiated this program in 2006 and after 2 years, CANGO had 72 enterprises join our network in Beijing. Even university students joined our network. We appealed to private enterprise to talk to their staff about using public transportation. We wanted to expand our green community program so we also established the national network of environment, adding to our membership 102 cities which joined our program in. So this is really a successful program. Like the (members) Olympics Committee, staff of Cango, EDF and other civil society organizations went to campuses, to our work, without cars. So, we also got good positive support from the Beijing Municipal government.

YI: But the number of cars are also increasing.

Huang Haoming: Yes, I forgot to mention there are now over 2 million privately-owned cars. The total is about 3.1 million, and more than 67 percent are privately owned. So the action plan becomes very important for citizens because it is about choice. This applies to the government also because if people want to select public transportation, they should be in good condition. This is actually advocacy, not only for citizens but also for a few government agencies. In Beijing the subway system is getting more packed, I think it is important to campaign it.

YI: What about energy, what is the government doing to reduce the use of fuel. Other countries are switching to bio-fuel. Is China doing anything like that?

Huang Haoming: Yes, I think the government is still having many discussions about (related) issues like taxes and the environment. I just learned this morning that experts are recommending to the city government that they charge parking areas. One month ago, I joined the Beijing Transportation Commission of Experts, where we discussed about how to change the government's policy and convince citizens to make a choice. I think this is really tough in China, particularly in Beijing.

YI: People don't want to give up their cars?

Huang Haoming: Yes. The big debate is the choice between economic development and environmental protection.

YI: On Chinese NGOs cooperating with foreign NGOs, you mentioned that some are helping with (issues of)health and the environment, but what about in the area of legal aid. Are they also collaborating with foreign NGOs? And which countries are they?

Huang Haoming: With regards to cooperation with foreign NGOs, it (happened) after China changed its policy25 years ago to allow more opening up, in which NGOs were allowed to cooperate with international civil society. Mostly, we cooperated with German foundations, church organizations, missionaries, Oxfam from UK, with foundations from Japan like the Sasakawa Peace Foundation too. Other NGOs come from Canada, Australia, Norway and France. I think we are cooperating with most developed countries.

YI: What about with other Asian countries? Did you also collaborate with other Asian countries which have active civil society movements like India, Philippines, Indonesia? Do you also collaborate with NGOs from those countries?

Huang Haoming: Yes, after Cango worked with developed countries, in 2000 we tried to cooperate with Asian countries like India, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore and Thailand. For example, I remember in 2004, the FAO had an Asia-Pacific conference in Beijing, Cango worked with Indonesian and Philippine NGOs working together at the conference in Beijing. So we make recommendations for the FAO conference. It was a successful event.

YI: On what issues do you collaborate with these countries?

Huang Haoming: Actually we try to know about the issue of development, and we have exchange programs. Cango shares experiences on how to manage issues, projects, even like ad hoc issues in the Philippines, which is very strong in civil society movement , so China is very eager to learn from these neighboring countries. They have many experiences and lessons to share with us.

YI: You have been involved in the NGO world for some time, how successful has civil society been in achieving its mission. What still needs to be done?

Huang Haoming: I think that is a real important question. Generally speaking, civil society in China, should have a clear mission. We should think about objectives. If we want to be involved in advocacy, we should have a good strategy , that is the basic principle. Secondly, we should have professional teamwork, a professional group and thirdly, which I think is a very important issue, is learning from other countries and networking. Cango works with more than 150 members out of the country. The fourth important idea should be capacity building for themselves, know mission teamwork, human resources, capacity building -- all very tough work. Funding should be held by professionals, that means good governance, transparency and accountability. We also need to think about the future. Cango has already established a training department, not just for Cango members, but also for non-members in China for their capacity building.

YI: On that note, I would like to thank you again for your time. It has been very interesting and informative.