Cambodia Investment Review
The AFD and GGGI have initiated a two-year project, the Air Quality Improvement Program, with a budget of EU 0.8 million, aimed at developing an emission inventory, an air quality control data system, and building a roadmap for a low-carbon transportation strategy for Siem Reap Municipality.
Funded and organized by the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport – the project will be implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The project will generate publicly accessible air quality data, empowering the private sector to make data-driven decisions in achieving green targets.
H.E. Pak Sokharavuth, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment, presided over the launch, which was attended by Mr. Emmanuel DOLLFUS, AFD Deputy Country Director, H.E. Chhoun Voun, Director General, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Dr. Frank Rijsberman, GGGI Director General and, H.E. Danh Serey, Director General of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Environment.
Better-informed decisions towards green targets
Mr. Emmanuel Dollfus emphasized the importance of air pollution as both a local and global phenomenon. He stated, “AFD strongly believes that this regional program will contribute to the circular of the Prime Minister on measures to prevent and reduce the ambient air pollution by setting a common vision for air quality improvement at the national level and mainstreaming air quality improvement objectives at governmental and ministries levels.”
The Air Quality Improvement Program will institutionalize air quality data into the Ministry of Environment system, making it publicly accessible to the private sector. This will enable them to make better-informed decisions and effectively work towards their green targets.
H.E. Pak Sokharavuth, in his opening remark, stated that tackling air pollution is one of the Government’s priorities. He mentioned that the Government has made great efforts to reduce air pollution, from regulatory measures to action plans in different sectors, including transportation, industry, residential, energy, and waste.
H.E. Chhoun Voun, representing the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, highlighted the rapid growth in the transportation sector and its negative impact on the environment. He said, “The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has put a lot of effort and resources into developing a sustainable (low-carbon) transport sector, both public and private.”
“We are currently focusing on introducing regulatory measures, resource mobilization for supporting infrastructures, and public awareness raising for electric vehicles and plan to promote public transportation, such as public bus, light rail transit, subway and so on,” he added.
Change transportation from combustion to electric
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, GGGI Director General, emphasized the urgency of addressing air pollution and the climate crisis. He stated, “For Cambodia, the key contributors to poor air quality are biomass burning and transportation. The current revolution to change transportation from fossil fuel combustion to electric powered buses, cars and motorbikes is a great opportunity to address both air pollution and the climate crisis.”
The project is expected to significantly impact Cambodia’s air quality, public health, and environment, contributing to the achievement of the country’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Accessible air quality data will enable the private sector to make data-driven decisions, contributing to the fight against air pollution and ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
The Air Quality Improvement Program is part of AFD’s Regional Program for Air Quality Improvement in Southeast Asia, which aims to improve air quality in partner countries and cities. Cambodia is one of three beneficiary countries in the ASEAN region, along with Thailand and Indonesia.
