Cambodia - Deliver training programme for the implementation of decrees for reducing open waste burning and air pollution

Rationale

Cambodia's Clean Air Plan targets a 50% reduction in open waste burning by 2030, focusing on air pollution and health impacts. The plan emphasises improving enforcement at all government levels and promoting coordinated action, led by the Ministry of Environment. This aligns with Cambodia's broader goals of sustainable waste management and environmental protection, reflecting its commitment to international agreements and national development objectives. The government is also enhancing waste management services, addressing gaps in policy, infrastructure, and technology, and promoting recycling and alternative waste treatment methods to reduce reliance on landfills and open burning.

Cambodia's access to waste management technologies such as incinerators and waste-to-energy systems remains limited and with adoption still in early stages.

While some provinces have basic waste management infrastructure, there is a significant need for enhanced technical capacity across the country. This includes the development of training programs and the provision of technical guidelines to improve understanding and capabilities at all levels of government. 

Effective enforcement of waste management laws also requires better-trained personnel and more advanced tools. Agricultural residue field burning is an issue in the country, thus non-burning alternatives for agricultural waste can be integrated in the solid waste management system to avoid air and climate pollutant emissions.

The project will support Cambodia in effectively reducing open burning and improving air quality in the country through an action plan and a training program which will strengthen enforcement capacity of stakeholders.

Objectives

This project aims to:

• Strengthen the capacities of federal, provincial, district, communal and village level authorities to enforce regulations for reducing open waste burning and air pollution.  
• Enable the national government of Cambodia to endorse an action plan to reduce all types of waste burning to meet its 50 per cent reduction target by 2030.

Activities

The project will achieve these outcomes by:

• Conducting a training program tailored to address the needs and increase capacity of stakeholders at various levels in addressing open burning through effective implementation of regulations and developing guidelines on waste burning alternatives. 
• Develop a National Action Plan to reduce waste open burning in Cambodia for endorsement of the government through the project outputs. The plan will include strategic short, mid, and long-term action, outline the implementation pathways, and recommend funding strategies and potential revenue streams. 

Project Reference: [KH-24-007] Cambodia - Deliver training programme for the implementation of decrees for reducing open waste burning and air pollution