King Norodom Sihamoni addresses the celebrations of National and World Environment Day. Environment ministry
His Majesty the King has appealed to all Cambodians to work together to promote environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, in order to preserve these valuable assets for future generations.
King Norodom Sihamoni delivered his appeal on June 5, during celebrations of National and World Environment Day, held under the theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution” at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
In his address, the King stated that the event represented a gathering to demonstrate the nation’s deep attention on environmental issues. He emphasised that the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” serves both as a reminder and a call for action for all citizens to act with responsibility.
“Solving this problem is not the job of any one individual or institution alone, but the responsibility of all. I also call for continued cooperation and support, in all forms, with the Ministry of Environment, with the common mission of building a clean, green, and sustainable world—reflecting the slogan 'Clean Cambodia—Khmer Can Do’,” he said.
His Majesty also highlighted how Cambodia is a beautiful country rich in natural heritage, which was protected by the ancestors of modern Cambodians and passed down for the benefit of future generations. From its vast mountain ranges, lush green forests, the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake — Cambodia’s diverse natural heritage — down to its vibrant coastlines and many islands, the nation is abundantly blessed.
His majesty presided over the event, which was attended by many of the Kingdom’s top officials, including the prime minister. Environmental department
These natural treasures, he said, are the Kingdom’s lifeblood and an integral part of Cambodia’s national identity. The harmony between people and nature has been at the root of Khmer culture, traditions and beliefs since ancient times.
“Living in respect of nature, without destroying it, and using natural resources sustainably is a duty we must uphold — protecting and strengthening it steadfastly for the generations to come,” he said.
His Majesty went on to note that Cambodia’s leadership has been and continues to be actively committed to the protection and sustainable development of natural resources. These efforts have earned international recognition and have put the country in a strong position to respond to and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of the Royal Palace, the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals, the Ministry of Environment and the Phnom Penh Capital Administration.
It was attended by Senate president Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as the leaders of national institutions, diplomatic representatives, development partners, local authorities and many citizens.
King Norodom Sihamoni greets members of the public as he arrives at the Environment Day celebrations on June 5. Environment ministry
During the event, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth declared a firm commitment to fighting plastic waste to protect the health of the Cambodian people.
The minister pointed out that plastic has now become part of daily life. Today, 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually. However, only about 12 per cent is incinerated and just 9 per cent is recycled. The remainder is discarded in landfills or released into the environment — including oceans.
Without sustainable interventions, it is estimated that the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple from 11 million tonnes in 2016 to around 29 million tonnes by 2040.
“What is most concerning is that plastic is breaking down into tiny particles called microplastics and nanoplastics. They are contaminating food chains and endangering living beings in both water and on land. These plastic particles have been found in human blood vessels, lungs, brains and even in mother’s breast milk,” he warned.
He also revealed that to address air quality issues, the ministry has installed 56 automatic air quality monitoring stations across the country. As for land pollution, he claimed that the “Today I Will Not Use Plastic” campaign has helped reduce plastic bag imports by up to 88 per cent.
At the same time, the ministry is working to transform 206 landfill sites across the country into safe, environmentally sound waste storage facilities.
