Minister of Environment opens for cooperation from Development Partners to Enhance Community Well-being

Phnom Penh, October 16, 2023 – His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, the Minister of Environment, warmly welcomed and expressed gratitude to collaborating organizations committed to improving the well-being of local communities for the cause of sustainable development. These sentiments were shared during a courtesy meeting at the Ministry on the afternoon of October 16, 2023.

Kristian Teleki, Executive Director of the Fauna & Flora – Cambodia Program, expressed his appreciation for sustained partnership with the Ministry of Environment. He highlighted the joint commitment to reducing marine plastic and enhancing the blue carbon generating from sea glasses and mangrove , the management of protected areas and conducting species surveys. The collaborative projects are focused on improving the well-being of local communities, implementing REDD+ project, and carrying out transboundary biodiversity conservation efforts within the vast domain of Virachey National Park of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

In line with the Pentagon Strategy’s first phase of the 7th legislative term of the National Assembly, Minister Eang Sophalleth has established three core objectives, each dedicated to empowering and enhancing the welfare of the Cambodian people. Furthermore, the Minister underscores the vital role of law enforcement in the responsible management of natural resources and the prevention of deforestation, firmly rejecting any unlawful practices.

Notably, out of the three key priorities, the first one begins with launching a widespread campaign to reduce plastic bag usage, actively involving approximately 1.5 million students. The second priority focuses on a reforestation initiative, distributing one million saplings to the public annually, and bolstering efforts to combat forest-related crimes in accordance with established legal principles. The third priority aims to forge strategic alliances with international partners to promote a clean, green, and sustainable approach, in response to the urgent challenges posed by regional and global climate change.