AKP Phnom Penh, October 21, 2026 --

Cambodia and the European Union (EU) are further strengthening and expanding their cooperation in environmental protection, with a focus on conserving natural protected areas, combating illegal deforestation and land encroachment, promoting low-carbon agriculture and reducing plastic waste.

The Ministry of Environment announced the development following a meeting between H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Oct. 21.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting natural protected areas through stronger law enforcement and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. He stressed that these efforts aim not only to conserve forests and biodiversity habitats but also to develop protected areas into destinations that support the national and local economies through green tourism.

H.E. Minister also highlighted Cambodia’s support for using satellite technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and detect illegal logging and land encroachment in a timely manner.

He further emphasised the importance of promoting climate-smart, low-carbon agriculture to ensure that farming activities do not encroach on protected areas while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding plastic reduction, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth highlighted the achievements of campaigns involving students and more than 14 million participants to date. These initiatives have gradually developed into broader public movements encouraging reduced plastic use, proper waste disposal, waste separation and participation in cleaning public spaces.

He noted that these efforts also support the development of smart cities and cleaner communities free from pollution.

In response, Ambassador Igor Driesmans welcomed Cambodia’s strong commitment to environmental protection and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to remaining a strategic partner in supporting Cambodia’s environmental conservation efforts, climate change response and development of sustainable green communities.

By C. Nika