Environment minister Eang Sophalleth addresses the May 6 the launch of the ASEAN-Korea cooperation project on methane gas reduction. Environment ministry
A $20 million ASEAN–South Korea Cooperation Project on Methane Mitigation (AKCMM) has officially been launched. The project aims to help Cambodia tackle methane emissions — one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
The May 6 inauguration ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Environment and presided over by environment minister Eang Sophalleth. In attendance were senior officials from the ministry, Cambodia’s technical working group on climate change, the South Korean embassy in Cambodia and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) office in Cambodia, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The AKCMM project, a regional initiative supported by the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), will be implemented over three years in nine ASEAN member states, including Cambodia.
According to a joint press release, the project aims to pave the way for Cambodia to step up its actions in reducing methane emissions.
The project offers a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, build technical capacity and implement context-specific solutions tailored to Cambodia’s national circumstances, in alignment with the country’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. It also supports Cambodia’s efforts to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement by attracting carbon finance, encouraging private sector participation and ensuring environmental integrity.
“Cambodia has observed a notable increase in methane emissions, particularly from the agriculture sector — rice cultivation and livestock — and from the waste sector,” shared Sophalleth.
“These sectors are not only vital to the economy and livelihoods, but they also offer significant benefits when smart and climate-resilient measures are applied, such as reducing emissions, improving public health and enhancing community resilience,” he added.
In attendance were officials from the ministries of environment and agriculture, as well as the South Korean Embassy and GGGI. Environment ministry
The project, which is being implemented by the GGGI, aims to reduce methane emissions through four strategic interventions. This includes developing policy and institutional support, improving methane emissions measurement, preparing financial plans and implementing mitigation projects and promoting regional dialogue and partnerships.
“As a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge, Cambodia is strongly committed to taking various measures to reduce methane emissions. The launch of the AKCMM project represents a strategic implementation step to align national efforts with regional and global commitments,” said the minister.
“This initiative will not only strengthen our capacities and access to climate finance but also stimulate innovation in the agricultural sector — a major source of methane emissions,” he added.
Hyunsoo Kim, deputy chief of mission at the South Korean embassy, noted that the project is timely as it deepens Korea’s relationship with the ASEAN member states, including Cambodia.
“We have pledged to increase our contribution to the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund to $32 million by 2027, which will help catalyse greater cooperation on climate change, sustainable development and environmental protection,” he said.
Shomi Kim, GGGI Cambodia country representative, believed that the launch is a pivotal moment in collective efforts to methane emissions reduction while enhancing the global competitiveness in the agricultural industry in Cambodia.
“There are tremendous opportunities for the country in the agricultural sector, specifically through Alternate Wetting and drying (AWD) which has the potential to reduce up to 40 per cent of methane emissions,” she said.
“The project will explore and assess the economic and environmental impacts of the promising projects such as AWD, sustainable cultivar and agriculture waste treatment. The AKCMM project provides opportunities for Cambodia to unlock its potentials, further demonstrating proof of concept and facilitating carbon financing for scaling up,” she added.
The environment ministry shared that Cambodia has prepared and submitted its national methane roadmap to the Global Methane Initiative and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in May 2025. The Kingdom has become one of the first least-developed countries (LDC) to submit such a roadmap — showing its strong commitment to being a model country in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
