(Phnom Penh): On Thursday (Jun. 5), Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni presided over a Royal ceremony marking National and World Environment Day, held at Morodok Techo National Stadium under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
Organised by the Ministry of Environment, this was the first time the event was held under the King’s high patronage—reflecting His Majesty’s deep concern for environmental sustainability.
The ceremony was attended by senior national leaders including Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, members of the Supreme Privy Council, parliamentarians, government officials, local governors, civil servants, monks, students, and citizens.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972, is observed annually on June 5. Cambodia has officially participated since 1993. In 2023, National Environment Day was enshrined in law through the Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management Act, signed by King Sihamoni on June 29.
In line with this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth highlighted the urgent issue of plastic waste in Cambodian society, aiming to raise awareness through the royal event.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth underscored the growing plastic crisis. Of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year, only 9% is recycled, while the vast majority pollutes landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. Without urgent intervention, plastic waste in aquatic environments could rise from 11 million tonnes in 2016 to 29 million tonnes by 2040.
He also warned of the health risks from microplastics and nanoplastics—now found in human blood, lungs, brain, and breast milk—and their infiltration of global food chains.
The Royal Government has prioritized environmental reforms under the “Clean Land” policy, which targets plastic waste reduction and improved public sanitation.
Under the “Clean Land” campaign, the Ministry launched several initiatives such as “Today, I Don’t Use Plastic Bags,” “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do It,” and “Plastic-Free National Roads.” These campaigns have mobilised public participation in reducing plastic use and cleaning up environments across households, communities, public spaces, and national highways.
As of 21 April 2025, more than 11 million individuals, including citizens, monks, and relevant stakeholders have pledged not to use plastic bags. Over 6 million individuals have joined the “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do It” campaign. National Road clean-ups have covered 50 routes, accounting for 73.5 percent of Cambodia’s 68 national roads. These campaigns have evolved into a significant national movement, transforming public behaviour towards plastic reduction.
Moreover, plastic bag imports have decreased by up to 88 percent compared to 2023. Alongside these campaigns, the Ministry has made efforts to enhance the solid waste management system. It continues to upgrade policy standards for the production, import, distribution, and use of single-use plastics.
Additionally, the Ministry has encouraged citizens and businesses to adopt packaging materials made from natural resources or reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Efforts to upgrade waste management continue, with improved recycling standards, greater adoption of natural or reusable packaging, and enhanced collaboration with local authorities and the private sector. The Ministry has distributed waste bins to schools, pagodas, and health centres, and provided garbage trucks and tricycles to support local waste collection.
Finally, the Ministry is planning to convert 206 open landfill sites into modern, environmentally compliant waste treatment facilities.
=FRESH NEWS
