Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has discussed with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) the joint efforts in environmental protection, covering the concept note for cleaning up Tonle Sap Lake, forest bonds, climate bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps.
In a recent meeting with Helena McLeod, Deputy Director General of the GGGI, at the Ministry office, Sophalleth stressed the importance of tackling environmental issues head-on and pledged to implement bold initiatives to protect Cambodia’s natural resources, according to the Ministry.
Cambodia is stepping up its environmental efforts with a diverse strategy led by Sophalleth since he took office as the new Minister in August last year.
He highlighted the pressing need to address plastic pollution, describing the alarming sight of plastic litter hanging in the trees and waterways of Tonle Sap Lake.
In March, the Ministry initiated a clean-up campaign focused on Tonle Sap Lake. This initiative is geared towards safeguarding the lake’s fish population, which plays a vital role as a source of nutrition for the people of Cambodia.
The Ministry emphasised its commitment to preserving fish as a crucial protein source for the population, estimating that it can sustain around 7 million people.
Sophalleth on Wednesday emphasised his dedication to cleaning up the environment and safeguarding vital ecosystems for future generations.
Moreover, he emphasised the importance of preventing pollution at its source by launching a campaign to equip factories with self-monitoring technology to enhance the enforcement of environmental regulations.
Additionally, Sophalleth underscored the significance of investing in sustainable solutions such as Cambodian-made software for monitoring factory emissions and embracing renewable energy sources like solar-powered water pumps.
Through collaboration with local and international partners, Cambodia aims to strengthen its environmental governance and ensure the long-term welfare of its citizens.
Beyond pollution control, Sophalleth highlighted efforts to provide clean drinking water to communities in protected areas, recognising water’s crucial role in livelihoods and biodiversity preservation.
By addressing both clean-up and green initiatives, Cambodia’s comprehensive strategy aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for its citizens.
During the courtesy meeting on Wednesday, the Ministry and GGGI also discussed the series of joint efforts between both sides, covering the concept note for cleaning up Tonle Sap Lake, forest bonds, climate bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps.
For her part, McLeod praised the partnership’s achievements, highlighting their contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of climate change, and fostering a green and clean Cambodia.
Sophalleth expressed gratitude to GGGI for their cooperation in various green projects, indicating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and regional leadership in the fight against climate change and pollution.
For more than a decade, GGGI Cambodia has been aiding Cambodia’s transition towards an economically sustainable, environmentally friendly, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive growth model.
Collaborating closely with the government, particularly the Ministry of Environment (MOE), GGGI focuses on carbon financing, sustainable energy, waste management, and sustainable mobility.
Cambodia and GGGI have integrated green growth priorities into national strategies and policies like the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN), and the National Energy Efficiency Policy 2021-2030.
Additionally, GGGI facilitated Cambodia’s readiness for carbon trading by establishing the Article 6 Operations Manual of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Prime Minister Hun Manet approved and endorsed this manual earlier this year, enabling Cambodia to access carbon financing under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Sophalleth remarked that this Operations Manual will bolster finance flows for Cambodia’s priority projects by establishing eligibility criteria and clarifying the government’s role in managing relevant processes.
Notably, this manual instills confidence among project proponents and potential buyers, thereby fostering the growth of robust and high-integrity international carbon transactions originating from Cambodia.
- Tags: GGGI, Tonle Sap Lake
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