PHNOM PENH: Czech Ambassador Martin Vavra met with Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, Eang Sophalleth, to discuss the importance of reducing plastic waste and maintaining a clean water supply on October 16.

During the meeting, the ambassador said that reducing plastic bags is a global issue that needs to be addressed immediately because plastic waste poses a risk to human health, animals, and natural resources.

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth warmly welcomed the ambassador and supported his initiative as it is in line with the new administration’s Pentagon Strategy. He noted three priorities of his ministry in addressing environmental issues including plastic bag reduction, planting trees, and partnering with international partners to promote clean, green and sustainable responses to climate change.

He noted the government’s efforts to address the first two priorities by starting a campaign in Cambodian schools to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags, which he said has reached an estimated 1.5 million students; and by distributing one million seedlings annually to local communities to re-establish forest cover. He also said the government is working to prevent forest crimes in accordance with the law. He stressed that even with more equipment for waste disposal, creating waste must be minimized.