Phnom penh: The Ministry of Environment, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, and the Ministry of Cults and Religions signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Aug. 20 to strengthen cooperation on environmental and natural resource protection and sustainable development.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the MoUs were signed by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment; H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of CMAA; H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology; and H.E. Chay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religions, at the Ministry of Environment. The agreements aim to enhance collaboration in areas such as mine clearance in protected zones, conservation of watersheds and ecosystems, sustainable water resource management, and the reduction of greenhouse gases through tree planting.
The cooperation highlights the interconnected nature of mine safety, water resource management, climate change response, and environmental protection, aligning with the Royal Government's vision of building a 'clean, green and sustainable' Cambodia, as stated by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth. Additionally, the agreements emphasize the role of pagodas and religious institutions in reducing plastic usage, improving waste management, planting trees, conserving water and energy, and protecting wildlife and local ecosystems.