Cambodia Marks Environment Day with Renewed Push for ‘Zero Waste’

PHNOM PENH, June 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia marked National Environment Day and World Environment Day on June 5 with a renewed call for stronger action on waste management and recycling under the theme “Zero Waste.”

A ceremony at the Ministry of Environment in Phnom Penh was chaired by Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth and attended by government officials, diplomats, civil society groups, development partners, members of the armed forces, teachers, students and youth representatives.

In his remarks, Sophalleth stressed that effective waste management, recycling and reuse are essential to building a “Zero Waste” society. He outlined the “4R” approach – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – as a guiding principle for citizens and institutions, and urged ministries, local authorities, the private sector and especially young people to play a greater role in protecting the environment.

The minister called for continued cooperation in implementing national environmental policies and strategies, noting that broad participation would help safeguard natural resources and improve quality of life for present and future generations.

Cambodia has observed National Environment Day annually since 1996, alongside World Environment Day, to raise public awareness and encourage community action to maintain cleanliness in homes, roads and public spaces nationwide.