"Thai Deputy Defense Minister Condemns Cambodia Over Landmine Incident Injuring Thai Soldiers; Keo Remy, however, warned, 'Please do not walk like a crab.'" | BREAKING: Tensions Escalate: Thai Troops Prepare to Launch Unauthorized Attack on Cambodian Territory Amid Internal Political Strife | Cambodia Rebuts Thailand’s Baseless Landmine Allegations and Urges Diplomacy to Maintain Regional Peace | Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Using Landmine Incidents as a Political Tool and Violating Ceasefire Agreements | Breaking: Kandal Provincial Police Arrest Notorious Lotion Manufacturer Love Riya | Cambodia Clarifies Misleading Claims About Ottawa Convention Meeting in Bangkok | Cambodia, China, and Thailand Discuss Regional Cooperation and Border Disputes at Mekong-Lancang Meeting | Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award” Presented to Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet | Cambodia & Thailand Call for Restraint and Adherence to International Agreements | International Observer Team Conducts Monitoring Visit Following Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire Agreement | Cambodia, Vietnam Strengthen Ties in High‑Level Video Conference; Aim for $20B Trade |

Cambodian Environment Minister Calls for Collective Efforts in Ocean Conservation

PHNOM PENH, July 24, 2024 — Eang Sophalleth, Cambodian Minister of Environment, emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in preserving ocean health at the inaugural "Blue Talks" event in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk province. Organized by the French Embassy and the French Agency for Development (AFD), this conference sets the stage for the upcoming Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France.

During the opening ceremony, Sophalleth highlighted the importance of sustainable ocean usage and marine resource conservation, stressing that it is a global responsibility that transcends national borders. He commended the efforts in reducing ocean pollution and specifically noted Cambodia's significant reduction in plastic consumption by 74.1 percent over the past 11 months.

According to UN forecasts, plastic in the oceans could outnumber fish by 2050 if current trends continue. The "Blue Talks" aim to counteract this through international collaboration and innovation in ocean conservation strategies.

Sophalleth welcomed the support from various international partners, who gathered to share insights on marine biodiversity protection and sustainable maritime practices. The event also focused on issues such as the blue economy, ecotourism, maritime trade, and responsible agriculture, highlighting the interconnectedness of these sectors with ocean health.

The French Embassy stated that the event aimed to mobilize stakeholders to enhance global negotiations on ocean protection and to establish a network in Cambodia dedicated to developing ocean-focused projects. The ultimate goal is to elevate the level of commitment and collective action needed to safeguard the oceans by June 2025.

Distinguished attendees included Jacques Pellet, Ambassador of France to Cambodia, Long Dimanche, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, Jean-Pierre Marcelli, AFD Regional Director for Southeast Asia, and representatives from various ministries, NGOs, the EU Delegation to Cambodia, UN agencies, and the private sector.



Related News