Cambodia and Germany Forge Alliance for Enhanced Waste Management

• 22 January 2025
• Local News
• 768 Views

In a significant step towards improving urban aesthetics and environmental sustainability, Cambodia and Germany have joined forces to strengthen the nation’s waste management strategy. The Ministry of Environment and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have embarked on a collaborative project titled “Green Initiative for Chakra Economy for Sustainable Waste and Solid Waste Management in Cambodia.”

This pivotal agreement was finalized on January 20, 2025, by HE Sabu Osano, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Environment, and Dr. Gunter Riethmacher, Country Director of GIZ. The initiative aims to reinforce the existing waste management framework by integrating economic principles based on the chakra model, ultimately aiming to eradicate pollution and enhance efficiency in waste management.

The collaboration is poised to establish a sustainable work model that minimizes the amount of garbage destined for landfills and contributes to creating cleaner, more visually pleasing urban environments in Cambodia.

During the signing ceremony, HE Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to prioritizing waste management nationwide. This includes deploying standard waste bins across the country and promoting the separation and recycling of waste, which can significantly alleviate pollution while creating new revenue opportunities for schools and the recycling sector.

The government’s effort to enhance waste management is further underscored by the recent inauguration of an 11-hectare landfill on January 17, 2025. This project, part of a second-phase initiative funded by a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to significantly bolster the nation’s waste-handling capabilities. (Read more)

With such proactive measures in place, Cambodia is on a promising path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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