Combatting Marine Plastic Litter in Cambodia

Over the last decades, a combination of rapid population growth and economic development has led to an exponential increase in the volume of solid waste, including plastic waste, in Cambodia. According to a UNDP report (2018), the country generates about 3 million tons of municipal solid waste and about 16 million tons of commercial and industrial solid waste per year. The rapidly growing volume of waste has led to several increasingly urgent problems.

Having such an issue is normal and to have the solution is something to make situation become better. The Marine plastic litter project is a technical and financial support by the Japan Government through UNDP and implement by the Ministry of Environment. Building on earlier efforts on plastic waste interventions, the overall objective of this project is to realize a circular economy model that will promote sustainable consumption and production of plastic in Cambodia. The project aims to prevent and minimize plastic waste pollution on land and in the ocean through promotion of a 4R framework. The project will develop environmental education materials and raising awareness to support the reduction of plastic waste; and the introduction and promotion of new technologies such as recycling and plastic alternative.