Cambodia has launched an initiative which aims to accelerate efforts to reduce super pollutants. Backed by about $4 million in funding from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the programme will be implemented over three years, from 2026 to 2028.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth presided over a launch ceremony for the Super Pollutant Accelerator Program, held today, October 19.
He explained that it was designed as a comprehensive response to national priorities and was aligned with the Environmental Circular Strategy 2023-2028.
The minister reiterated that Cambodia has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing climate change, improving air quality and reducing super pollutants, including methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
These efforts aim to improve air quality, mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development in Cambodia, he added.
Sophalleth believed that the programme marked a major achievement in Cambodia’s efforts to address global environmental challenges, noting that it has attracted international support.
This support culminated in its formal approval at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, in 2025.
Cambodia was among the first countries to receive approximately $4 million from the CCAC to implement the programme over the 2026-2028 period.
Under the programme, Cambodia will continue building officials’ capacity in pollution management, vehicle emission standards, emissions from the energy and agriculture sectors, and waste management, with the aim of ensuring sustainable development.
Catalina Etcheverry, programme manager at the CCAC, highlighted the programme’s importance in tackling rising levels of harmful substances in the atmosphere to protect public health and reduce the impacts of climate change.
She praised the government’s strong commitment, noting that the environment ministry had worked closely with the CCAC to develop a Clean Air Plan and introduce measures to combat air pollution.