The AFD-funded project, launched on 5 May 2023, is implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of Cambodia.

The project aims to improve air quality and catalyze transformative changes in public health and the economy of Cambodia, focusing on the transport sector due to its significant contribution to air pollution and emissions. The project supports MOE in developing guidelines for quality assurance and quality control of air quality monitoring stations, assists MPWT in developing strategies to reduce vehicular emissions and a transport sector emissions inventory to support policy making. The project also supports Siem Reap implement a governance framework for public transport and Apsara Authority in developing a low carbon transport strategy.

The program aims to:
(i) raise awareness of air quality issues,
(ii) enhance knowledge and capacity to monitor air quality,
(iii) strengthen institutional capacity, and
(iv) prepare projects, programs, financial instruments, and public policies that lead to a reduction in air pollution from the transport sector.

The Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) are the beneficiaries of the project.

Deployment of E-buses in Siem Reap
Through this project, GGGI continues to support Siem Reap to build an enabling environment for deployment of electric buses in the city.

This is mainly through support on developing governance framework for operationalization of public electric buses in Siem Reap. In addition to building capacity of Siem Reap government, the project supports the Cities Development Initiative of Asia (CDIA) in conducting a feasibility study to identify robust public private partnership models for operation of electric buses in the beautiful city of Siem Reap.

The population of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is increasingly being exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter, as reported by the World Health Organization. Escalating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from traditional fuel usage, have notably increased in countries like Cambodia, especially in the transport and power sectors.

To combat this, the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) established the “Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)” for
Southeast Asia, with Cambodia as one of its beneficiaries. In Cambodia, an important milestone was achieved when the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2022, cementing AFD’s collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia in the fight against air pollution. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is the technical implementing entity for the AQIP in Cambodia and ensures the coordination with the regional program.

Category: Policy Framework for Air Quality

The Standard Operating Procedure for Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Air Monitoring in Cambodia is developed and institutionalized within MOE.

– 38 officials from the Department of Environment from all 24 provinces have enhanced capacity on air quality data monitoring and calibration.

Category: Introduction of emission inventory for transport sector

– 28 officials from the Department of Public Works and transport from 8 provinces have enhanced understanding of emission inventory and its implications on policy making.

Outcome 1: Sustainable air quality management practices have been successfully mainstreamed within the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Public Works and Transport through the implementation of Standard Operating Procedure for calibration of air monitoring equipment, utilizing an emissions inventory tool for the transport sector and enforcing vehicle emission control measures.

Outcome 2: Investment mobilization for deployment of electric buses in Siem Reap resulting from the institutional framework for public bus operation and a low carbon transport strategy in Siem Reap contributing to enhanced public transport efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and improved urban air quality, leading to a more sustainable and reliable transport system.