Cambodia, Japan, and UNDP Join Forces to Eliminate Plastic Waste for a Greener Future in Cities

• 10 March 2025
• Local News
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In a spirit of environmental sustainability, the Government of Cambodia has formed a powerful partnership with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to combat the urgent problem of plastic waste in urban areas, which is rapidly growing each year. This collaboration, officially titled “Strengthening Capacity to Handle Plastic Waste in Cities,” was signed on February 27, 2025.

The project aims to enhance the cleanliness of the environment across seven cities: Tbong Khmum, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, as well as the coastal provinces of Kep, Kampot, and Koh Kong. This joint effort will establish a sustainable plastic waste management strategy designed to improve the quality of life in cities and create more comfortable living conditions.

At the signing ceremony, HE Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its vital role in promoting sanitation and reducing plastic waste within urban areas. He highlighted the importance of environmental education, urging the Ministry to strengthen campaigns in schools, factories, local communities, and temples throughout the country. Additionally, he called for the allocation of garbage bins to facilitate proper waste management.

The Minister also stressed the need to review and amend legal documents regarding the use of plastics, particularly post-consumer plastics. He urged increased attention to promoting measures such as alternatives to plastic, plastic reuse, plastic recycling, pilot initiatives, and enhanced producer responsibility related to plastic credits in Cambodia.

On the occasion, Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative in Cambodia, expressed optimism that the project would foster positive behavioral changes, promote cleaner production practices, and stimulate the national economy. It is noteworthy that the initiative aims to empower women and youth by providing them with financial support for their active participation in its implementation.

Simultaneously, HE UENO Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, praised the Cambodian government’s commitment to enhancing environmental quality. He reiterated Japan’s dedication to strengthening cooperation with Cambodia, particularly through collaborations with the Ministry of Environment and other partners, to effectively address the critical challenges posed by urban plastic waste.

This collaboration represents a significant step toward a cleaner and greener Cambodia, promising not only to improve waste management but also to cultivate a collective movement toward sustainable living for future generations.

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