Environment ministry issue 100-day report
THE Ministry of Environment has released a 44-page report on its accomplishments in the first 100 days of newly appointed Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth’s tenure. Released on December 19, the report focuses on the ministry’s protection of natural resources, as well as its cooperation with local and international organisations.
The preface of the book explains that Sophalleth’s activities were compiled from the day he took his oath of office under the seventh mandate government on August 21,
“We hope that this report of the minister’s first one hundred days – which contains both information and images – will provide answers to readers who are curious as to what the environment minister has done. What were his accomplishments? What kind of foreign relations did he pursue? What problems did he respond to and resolve for the people of Cambodia? Readers will find the answers to questions such as these on each page of this book,” it added.
The ministry explained that the new government’s Pentagonal Strategy is a 25-year strategy that has been carefully considered and set out in five stages, in order to guide the implementation of the government’s political programmes through each legislature of the National Assembly. This clarity serves as a compass which will point the way for the leaders of ministries and other state institutions to steer the ship towards the common goal of the Cambodian government.
The environment ministry, led by Sophalleth, has set out its circular strategy, which focuses on three main priorities: clean, green and sustainable.
Heng Kimhong, head of the Cambodian
Youth Network’s Research and Advocacy Programme, said on December 20 that he believed that the first 100 days of the environment ministry under the new mandate government was more pro-active and efficient than under the previous mandate.
He encouraged the ministry to strengthen and expand its activities, and give the relevant people the freedom to participate in the protection of natural resources and the environment.
“The ministry’s direction of cracking down on natural resource crimes without exception – as well as its other policies and campaigns – are excellent, but at the same time the ministry needs to ensure that its entire five-year term matches the commitment of its first 100 days,” he added.
In addition, he wanted to see the activities of the ministry, as well as its cooperation with partner organisations, conducted with transparency and accountability. He suggested that consultations be held with private citizens and all other stakeholders, in order to ensure the protection of natural resources remains as effective as possible.
Sophalleth addressed a December 20 meeting held to summarise the ministry’s environmental work in 2023 and outline its working direction for 2024
“In the past 100 days, we have achieved proud results. These include a campaign to reduce the use of plastic, as well as one which will see us plant one million trees a year. We have also taken strict measures against natural resource crimes. There is no longer a culture of allowing offenders to sign a contract and be released,” he said.
“In addition, we introduced releasing the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028, and accomplished many other results,” he added.