A bilateral agreement between Cambodia and Turkey will see the two nations work together on environmental and climate issues. Focusing on reducing plastic, one ambitious element of the collaboration will involve 1.3 million students.

The Ministry of Environment (MoE) announced the bilateral cooperation on Tuesday, adding that measures towards achieving the objective include installing recyclable waste bins and water fountains in schools to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Furthermore, a campaign targeting 1.3 million students aims to reduce plastic bag consumption.

Ulku Kocaefe, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, conveyed her country's readiness to collaborate with Cambodia on regional and global environmental concerns.

Despite challenges, Kocaefe commended the innovative spirit of Cambodians, who have found alternative uses for natural resources, such as coconuts and banana leaves for food packaging and beverage storage. She went on to propose the slogan ‘Wrap it like Cambodia’.

Kocaefe added that Turkey is a member of the European Union, which aligns with the European “Green Deal” initiative. This places a paramount focus on climate change mitigation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.

Minister of Environment, Eang Sophalleth, plans to preserve natural protected areas, providing communities reliant on these regions with the opportunity for growth and prosperity. Central to this plan is an initiative to plant 100,000 bamboo trees in two months, which aligns with a circular strategy for sustained usage.

Sophalleth confirmed that bamboo, known for its rapid growth and minimal energy expenditure on leaf production, can be regenerated at an accelerated rate compared to other trees.

Additionally, the top sections can be used to create tiles, while the stalks can be transformed into a sustainable source of fuel, offering an alternative to firewood and helping combat deforestation.

At the same time, bamboo's capacity to absorb twice the amount of carbon dioxide of other trees, while producing 30 percent more oxygen, makes it an ideal candidate for promoting carbon neutrality. This grassroots approach, starting with communities, could pave the way for Cambodia to become carbon-neutral, one community at a time.

The Minister said the bilateral agreement is evidence that Cambodia and Turkey recognize the urgency of the matter. She went on to highlight the importance of instilling responsible waste management practices in the younger generation, ensuring that these values are passed onto future generations to foster sustainable growth.

Chhai Ngorn, founder of environmental organization Creal Cambodia, told Kiripost that he welcomes the cooperation, and hopes to see the Ministry of Environment implement programs to reduce plastic in Cambodia.

“Practising a campaign involving students is very effective, as well as building a good partnership with Turkey. The environmental protection activities will be more positive,” he said.

“It will play a part in changing students' minds because when we practise it in every school, students will change their habits of plastic waste to care and save their environment.”

He added that it will also equip them with knowledge to share with their families and communities about how important reducing plastic in society is to save the environment. Ngorn noted that no matter how small, each act plays a part.