Phnom Penh:UNICEF has pledged continued support for Cambodia's efforts to develop a clean, green, and sustainable environment through the Ministry of Environment's Circular Strategy on Environment (2023-2028).
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, Dr. Maha Damaj, expressed this commitment during a meeting with the Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, at the Ministry's headquarters on October 6.
Dr. Maha Damaj emphasized that UNICEF will assist in implementing the strategy, which aims to help Cambodia achieve environmental cleanliness, greenness, and sustainability while addressing climate change.
H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth expressed gratitude for UNICEF's support, particularly in promoting environmental education and protection. He highlighted the 'Clean Cambodia' campaign, which includes the 'Today, I Will Not Use Plastic Bags' initiative. This initiative has seen participation from about 15 million people, including school students, who commit to avoiding plastic bags at least one day a week.
The Ministry has rolled out national and local campaigns to clean communities and areas along national roads. Over the past year, Cambodia has reduced plastic imports by 85 percent, as reported by the Minister.
Efforts are also underway to distribute rubbish bins to schools to educate children and young people on waste management, segregation, and environmental hygiene.
Beyond cleanliness, Cambodia is working with partners to enforce regulations protecting natural areas and forests, supporting community livelihoods and reforestation to boost green cover and move towards the country's carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
The meeting also covered cooperation on environmental education, climate change awareness, and improving community resilience in natural protected areas, especially in light of challenges from the upcoming El Ni±o phenomenon.
H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth noted that Cambodia plans to expand reforestation and strengthen partnerships to enhance resilience against the climate crisis.
At the forthcoming COP31 in Turkey, Cambodia will advocate for fair financial support to tackle global climate change, especially for vulnerable and least developed countries.