Phnom Penh, March 22, 2024 – A significant stride towards environmental sustainability was marked in Cambodia with the formal commencement of a comprehensive river cleanup project, spearheaded by the local NGO River Ocean Cleanup (ROC) in collaboration with Leader Energy. Ahead of its formal operation launch, the initiative has already seen remarkable progress, removing 80 tonnes of waste from the nation's primary waterways over the past six months.

The initiative's official inauguration took place on March 20 in Phnom Penh, celebrating the onset of a five-year mission dedicated to purifying Cambodia's rivers. The event was graced by the Minister of Environment, who commended the initiative for aligning with the nation's vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

During the ceremony, the Minister, alongside the Governor of Phnom Penh, emphasized the importance of community involvement and the support of relevant authorities in the success of the cleanup efforts.

Nou Sovann, the Executive Director of ROC, shared an ambitious vision for the project, stating, "In five to six years, we aim to significantly reduce waste in our rivers and along their banks. However, sustaining cleanliness requires ongoing waste management efforts, public education, and the enforcement of environmental regulations."

To date, the mission has successfully collected approximately 1,693 metric tonnes of debris from the waterways and surrounding areas of Phnom Penh and Kandal province. The initiative plans to recycle the amassed waste into various products, demonstrating a commitment to environmental preservation and resource sustainability through to its completion in 2028.