United States Strengthens Cooperation on Environmental Priorities and Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

H.E. Patrick Murphy, the US Ambassador to Cambodia, emphasized the significance of sustainable natural resource management in the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the United States and Cambodia. He made this statement during a courtesy meeting with H.E. Eang Sophalleth, the Minister of Environment on the afternoon of October 4, 2023.

Ambassador Murphy highlighted past collaborations, such as the protection of Mekong – US, Wildlife and the Prey Lang Baitong initiatives. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to close coordination in developing a sustainable future around the Tonle Sap Basin. He also expressed strong intentions to participate in the Cambodia Climate Summit scheduled for November. Additionally, he conveyed the United States’ anticipation of working with Cambodia on the Conserve Project and its readiness to take up the Prey Lang Baitong project as a model for replication in other communities to support expansion and integration efforts.

In response to this bilateral cooperation, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth expressed gratitude to the United States for its contributions to the protection of natural resources and collaboration on addressing the global concern of climate change.

Minister Sophalleth also informed that the Ministry’s primary focus is reducing plastic usage, involving more than 1.4 million students so far. Educating children on the importance of separating waste and recycling materials is instrumental in instigating generational change, with future generations expected to follow suit. This approach has already yielded successful results, leading to effective waste management.

The second priority is the rehabilitation and reforestation of trees to achieve carbon neutrality and enhance the livelihoods of communities in response to climate change. By promoting ecotourism in protected areas, local communities can harness the potential of resource-bearing trees to boost, as well as sustain their economies. These combined efforts contribute to sustainable socio-economic development and resilience to climate change, attracting investments for greener communities.