Cambodia & Germany Forge Alliance for Enhanced Waste Management

• 21 October 2023
• Local News
• 3759 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 20 January 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 minimises 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, emphasised the ministry’s commitment to prioritising 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 17 January 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.

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

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