Students and local authorities take part in a roadside clean up in Kampong Chhnang province. Kampong Chhnang environment department
The public spaces of Kampong Chhnang province have been officially declared plastic waste free. The milestone followed two extensive campaigns that saw 300 waste collection activities organised in the past eight months.
The campaigns, titled “Clean Kampong Chhnang, Khmer CanDo” and “National Roads Without Plastic Waste”, were launched in all eight districts of the province in May 2024.
On Wednesday, January 22 Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth announced that Kampong Chhnang had become the first province to achieve the feat.
A ceremony to share the welcome news was attended by lawmakers, senior officials, provincial authorities, EU delegates and international ambassadors, representatives of civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector, as well as teachers and students.
Provincial governor Sun Sovannarith explained that the campaigns began on May 15, 2024, and concluded on January 16. These efforts, led by provincial and district authorities, local officials, and the Ministry of Environment’s coordination team, resulted in 300 waste collection events, 81 of them managed directly by the ministry.
The campaigns targeted cleanups along 41 roads, through the participation of 399 schools and 219 pagodas, as well as several large factories and private enterprises.
The initiative engaged 3,871 teachers, 116,938 students, 2,600 monks, local officials and factory workers, who collectively picked up 26,349 kilogrammes of garbage.
Sovannarith emphasised the visible impact of these campaigns, noting improved hygiene and aesthetics at schools, factories, businesses, pagodas and residential areas.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth declared the public areas of Kampong Chhnang province free of plastic waste and litter on January 22. Environment ministry
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth praised the collective efforts of all involved, particularly the enthusiastic participation of local authorities, teachers and students. He noted that their efforts have not only cleaned Kampong Chhnang up, but also contributed to a cleaner Cambodia overall.
“Cleanliness, within the framework of environmental strategy, starts from the heart and extends to the land, sky and water around us. When we cultivate cleanliness in our hearts, our surroundings naturally reflect that, ensuring a clean and sustainable society,” he said.
Looking forward, the minister stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with stakeholders, especially local authorities, to improve waste management, plastic waste reduction and hazardous waste disposal. These efforts aim to ensure effective trash collection, transport and storage in all communities, schools and urban areas.
He concluded on an optimistic note, stating that the campaign would transform sporadic activities into regular practices. He encouraged all Cambodian citizens to develop habits that promote a cleaner environment.
