Phnom penh: The Ministry of Environment of Cambodia and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in supporting community livelihoods, environmental protection, and natural resource conservation.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the pledge was made during a meeting in Phnom Penh on September 29 between H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and Mr. Christophe Cr©pin, Sector Leader for Environment and Climate Change in the Social, Environmental, and Rural Development Unit for the East Asia and Pacific region of the World Bank.

Mr. Cr©pin praised the growing collaboration between the two sides, highlighting the strong results achieved through the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP). The project has supported the development of green infrastructure, expanded livelihood opportunities for local communities, and enhanced the protection of natural resources in protected areas, aligning with Cambodia’s national policies and strategies, including the Circular Strategy on Environment.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth noted that the partnership has greatly contributed to the ministry’s strategies and grassroots development, particularly in advancing Cambodia’s green leisure goal. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure both sustainable development and tangible economic benefits for local communities.

The Minister also encouraged further cooperation with a clear focus on transparency and concrete objectives, including preventing environmental pollution, managing plastic waste, improving waste disposal infrastructure, conducting environmental assessments, managing natural resources, and conserving biodiversity in protected areas.