Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 31 – Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth delivered a national statement at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Colombia, highlighting policies on environment, in particular a clean, green, and sustainable Cambodia.
Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment and Representative of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, presented Cambodia's Policies on Environment at the Conference of Parties in COP16 in Cali capital, Colombia.
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Eang Sophalleth stated that the "Pentagonal Strategy, Phase I" focuses on growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability to meet the aspirations of the Cambodian people while achieving the Cambodia’s 2050 Vision. Under this strategy, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, has advised and guided the Ministry of Environment to develop the "Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028”. This strategy outlines the priorities to ensure environmental sustainability and perfection, address climate change, and promote a green economy with the goal to increase forest cover and achieve the country’s carbon neutrality by 2050.
In his statement and as a party of CBD, Eang Sophalleth reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment and its ongoing efforts to lead concerned activities and serve as a role model in global biodiversity conservation and addressing the challenges of climate change. He highlighted Cambodia has designated over 41 per cent of its territory as protected areas; the important habitats for biodiversity and ecosystems and this meets the third goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (COP15).
He also underlined Cambodia’s initiatives to expand its forest cover and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, including campaigns to plant and distribute at least 1 million seedlings annually under the theme of "Green Sprouts". This commitment includes establishment of nurseries, distribution of seedlings and saplings for free of charge, and promotion of tree planting across public, private, community, and urban spaces, engaging local communities, civil society, women, and youths. In addition, Cambodia has worked with its partners to develop five regional nurseries nationwide to support this initiative.
The minister added that to translate the unprecedented initiative into practical outcomes, Cambodia requires financial resources, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and modern technology. Such factors not only enable Cambodia to fully implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, its Vision 2050 for biodiversity but also advance its goals for a clean, green, and sustainable nation.
"Cambodia fully supports the Global Biodiversity Framework Plan and urges all actors to ensure its practical implementation," stated Minister Eang Sophalleth. "Increasing financial resources is vital to bridging gaps in the global funds and fostering strong political commitments to carry out programs of work under CBD and its relevant protocols. Cambodia stands ready to go side by side with the international community to fulfill national and global commitments to prevent biodiversity loss and realize the vision of living in harmony with nature," he added.
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