Campaign Launched to Combat Plastic Pollution in Tonle Sap

In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of plastic pollution, the Ministry of Environment is gearing up to kickstart a comprehensive clean w...

In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of plastic pollution, the Ministry of Environment is gearing up to kickstart a comprehensive clean water campaign, with the Tonle Sap taking center stage.

Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of the Environment, emphasized the urgency during a recent visit to the Tonle Sap River, highlighting the dire consequences of plastic waste accumulation.

The initial phase of the campaign targets surface debris, particularly plastic bags, which pose a significant threat to the ecosystem of the Tonle Sap.

With an estimated 7 million people reliant on the Tonle Sap for sustenance, preserving its fish population is paramount. Sophalleth underscored the link between pollution, compromised marine life, and public health risks.

Efforts will concentrate on studying and securing the interconnected water systems, including streams and canals, to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the Tonle Sap.

The Ministry of Environment is set to collaborate with the Tonle Sap Cleanup Partnership to bolster efforts in deploying garbage collection infrastructure across Cambodian water bodies.

Anticipating a revitalized Tonle Sap, the campaign aims to transform the region into a pristine destination, fostering tourism and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

As plastic pollution continues to threaten aquatic ecosystems worldwide, initiatives like the clean water campaign offer a beacon of hope for the preservation of invaluable natural habitats like the Tonle Sap.