Phnom Penh, May 6 — Cambodia and South Korea have formalized a partnership to collaboratively address methane emissions through the launch of the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Project on Methane Reduction in Cambodia. The initiative was officially inaugurated on May 6, 2025, at the Ministry of Environment in Phnom Penh.
Dr. Eang Sophallet, Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, expressed his appreciation for the support and long-term vision of the Korean government and the ASEAN Secretariat in advancing this regional cooperation. He emphasized that the project would significantly contribute to Cambodia’s efforts to mitigate methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates global warming.
During the launch, Minister Sophallet highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and practical implementation tailored to Cambodia’s specific conditions. The project aligns with Cambodia’s broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement. It also supports Cambodia’s efforts to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, attracting carbon finance, fostering private sector participation, and ensuring environmental integrity.
Cambodia has experienced a notable rise in methane emissions, primarily from agriculture—particularly rice cultivation and livestock farming—and the waste management sector. These sectors, vital for the country’s economy and local livelihoods, present opportunities for smart, climate-resilient measures. Such initiatives can reduce emissions, improve public health, and enhance community resilience against climate impacts.
Additionally, Cambodia recently demonstrated its leadership in environmental action by preparing and submitting a national methane reduction roadmap to the Global Environment Strategy Institute and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in May 2025. This submission marks Cambodia as the first among least developed countries to do so, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fighting climate change and advancing sustainable development.
The ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Project on Methane Reduction aims to assist Cambodia in adopting innovative, climate-smart solutions and further solidifies regional cooperation in addressing critical environmental challenges.
