Cambodia's bold pledge to eliminate plastic pollution

The Star

13 hours ago

Students in a school in Phnom Penh supporting the no plastic pledge programme. - Photo: Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Bernama): Cambodia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to eradicating plastic pollution by launching nationwide campaigns that have mobilised millions in the fight against environmental degradation.
The pledge came two months ahead of global treaty negotiations, where countries will convene to develop a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution.
Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth said the government's "Clean Land' policy, along with campaigns such as "Today, I Don't Use Plastic Bags' and "Plastic-Free National Roads,' aims to curb plastic waste, improve public sanitation, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility, reported Fresh News.
"The initiatives have encouraged widespread public involvement in reducing plastic use and cleaning up environments across households, communities, public spaces, and national highways.
"As of April 21, 2025, more than 11 million individuals, including citizens, monks, and relevant stakeholders, have pledged not to use plastic bags. Over six million individuals have joined the campaigns,' Sophalleth said at the National Environment Day and World Environment Day celebrations held on Thursday.
The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to create an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment, will take place from August 5 to 14 in Switzerland.
Cambodia continues to grapple with mounting plastic waste challenges, as its growing population, rapid economic growth, and urbanisation have significantly increased the use of non-degradable plastics in everyday life.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his World Environment Day message that plastic pollution is choking the planet - harming ecosystems and the climate.
"Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean and endangers wildlife. In two months, countries will come together to hammer out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution.
"We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year. One that covers the life-cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular economies,' he said.
World Environment Day is marked globally on June 5, and this year's theme is "Beat Plastic Pollution'.
The United Nations Environment Programme estimated that 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, while microplastics accumulate in the soil from sewage and landfills, due to the use of plastics in agricultural packaging.
The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution ranges between RM1.2 trillion to RM2.4 trillion (US$300 billion and US$600 billion). - Bernama
World Environment Day, Cambodia, United Nations, Antonio Guterres, Ministry of Environment