Unified Against Plastic Pollution: 9 Ministries Spearhead Groundbreaking Environmental Campaign

• 21 November 2023
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In a concerted effort to combat the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, the Ministry of Environment has forged an alliance with key entities, including the Cambodian Women’s Scout Association, the Union of Youth Unions of Cambodia, and six provincial administrations: Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, and Takeo. The collaborative endeavor is aimed at curbing plastic usage and fostering environmental preservation.

The united front against plastic pollution was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on November 19, 2023. The pact signifies the shared commitment of these ministries, institutions, and provincial administrations to champion a campaign dedicated to reducing plastic consumption.

The initiative will see active involvement and endorsement from schools and educational institutions under each provincial administration. Recognizing the global environmental repercussions of plastic use, this campaign underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet, ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals.

According to data from the Ministry of Environment, global plastic production and consumption are projected to exceed 9.5 billion tons by 2022, with an annual growth rate of 3%. Alarmingly, only 9% of total plastic waste is recycled, while the remaining 91% ends up in landfills, incinerated, or littered in fields, ultimately finding its way into water sources. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the sea each year.

Cambodia, too, faces a significant surge in plastic usage, particularly in the form of plastic bags. The average Cambodian consumes four plastic bags daily, resulting in a staggering 55 million plastic bags used per day in the country.

Notably, as of November 19, over 3 million volunteers have actively participated in this impactful campaign. This includes more than 110,000 teachers and over 2,823,531 students across 6,619 schools, along with workers, employers, monks, and individuals from factories, enterprises, pagodas, and communities.

• Energy and Environment