Cambodia has secured a development project worth approximately $4 million at COP30 to help reduce black carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts in responding to climate change.
This funding was obtained through the participation of Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, who led a Cambodian delegation to the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held last week in Belem, Brazil.
The project is one of six major initiatives supported by the UN and development partners to improve environmental cleanliness, promote green development, reduce climate change impacts and enhance sustainable living.
Upon returning to Techo International Airport​ on the afternoon of Sunday, November 23, Sophalleth stated that Cambodia’s participation in COP30 had yielded many positive achievements. He noted that the UN and various development partners agreed to support six priority projects for Cambodia.
The Tonle Sap Sustainability Program, a 25-year initiative running until 2050, is one of them, focusing on improving the health of the Tonle Sap Lake, environmental protection and pollution reduction, increasing biodiversity and fish resources, strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods for local communities.
They also supported the transformation of Koh Sralao in Koh Kong province project to develop to a carbon-neutral island, and one of the best eco-model islands in Asia, as well as the coastal Crab Species Conservation, a conservation project for coastal crab species in Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, and the development of the Phnom Khnang Phsar tourism site in Kampong Speu Province, a project aligned with the guidance of Prime Minister Hun Manet to improve local community livelihoods and promote sustainable protection of natural resources.
The last two are the development of the TeTeuk Puh Area in Kampong Speu province that transforms the community into a carbon-neutral model area with direct benefits for local residents, including enhanced livelihoods and a $4 Million Project to Reduce Black Carbon Emissions. It is a major initiative aimed at cutting black carbon emissions and strengthening Cambodia’s response to global climate change.
According to the ministry, Sophalleth attended 11 major events at the Brazil forum, delivered keynote speeches on behalf of Cambodia, joined ministerial-level dialogues on forestry and climate leadership and presented Cambodia’s progress in climate action through its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, submitted to the UNFCCC on August 8.
The NDC submission reinforces Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to global climate goals and the Paris Agreement.
Cambodia highlighted strengthened targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change across five priority sectors: Industry, energy, agriculture, forestry and waste management. The country aims to reduce emissions by up to 55% by 2035.
Sophalleth also held bilateral and multilateral discussions with leaders, partner countries and development agencies to strengthen international cooperation, enhance environmental protection, improve natural resource management in Cambodia and support global climate action efforts.
