JICA Extends Support to Cambodia for Second Phase of Water Pollution Management

• Sommana Yan
• 19 June 2023
• Local News
• 1968 Views

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has once again extended its assistance to Cambodia, initiating the second three-year Pollution Management Capacity Building Project. The project, set to commence in 2023, aims to strengthen Cambodia’s water pollution management capabilities with the support of JICA.

The official signing of the project took place on June 13, 2023, between JICA and the Ministry of Environment. The project outlines several key objectives, including:

1. Enhancing the accuracy and reliability of water quality analysis conducted by the Ministry of Environment’s laboratory.
2. Additionally, it aims to establish a robust monitoring system for surface water and liquid waste in the designated target areas,
3. Strengthening the capacity to develop comprehensive water quality management plans.
4. To ensure widespread adoption and adherence to water pollution control measures, the project also emphasizes the dissemination of rules of conduct related to the implementation of the sub-decree on water pollution control. This dissemination will target stakeholders at various levels, including sub-national administrations and the private sector.

JICA’s collaboration with the General Department of Environmental Protection of the Ministry of Environment has previously yielded successful outcomes. Under the first phase of the project, which focused on capacity development and lasted three and a half years, JICA provided technical assistance to enhance the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment and pollution control measures.

The primary objectives of the initial phase centered on empowering officials from the General Department of Environmental Protection to monitor, prevent, and mitigate pollution, with a specific focus on environmental impact assessment and water-related matters.

Through the implementation of this cooperation project, Cambodia has witnessed significant improvements in the capacity of environmental protection professionals. Their enhanced expertise enables them to carry out daily tasks related to monitoring, prevention, and reduction of pollution, ensuring the protection of public health and the preservation of biodiversity.

The second phase of the Pollution Management Capacity Building Project not only reaffirms the enduring partnership between JICA and Cambodia but also underscores Japan’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s sustainable development goals.

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