Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 05 April 2024 – GGGI organized the final capacity-building workshop on air quality data monitoring and calibration in Cambodia in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (MoE). The workshop was attended by over 40 participants, including at least one representative from each of the 24 Provincial Departments of Environment along with the MoE.

This second part of a two-part workshop aimed to enhance knowledge and strengthen the capacity of local governments on air quality data management and calibration. The first capacity-building event provided insights into the current situation of air quality in Cambodia and helped participants understand the process of air quality sensor maintenance and calibration. This last workshop provided more practical experience in calibrating data and applied technical knowledge and know-how on air quality assurance and quality control.

Participants also had the opportunity to conduct a site visit to the Institute of Technology of Cambodia to gain hands-on understanding of the different components of a reference station along with the data center and laboratory, furthering their knowledge about air quality data collection and monitoring practices.

Mr. Thiv Sophearith, Deputy Director-General of Environmental Protection, said, “This capacity-building program is instrumental for our government officials, especially our local representatives from the Provincial Departments of Environment. We need our technical officials in each province to have this kind of knowledge and practical experience with air quality data monitoring, maintenance, and calibration, as there is limited capacity at the national level to monitor and maintain the growing number of air quality sensors across the country.”

Mr. Ankit Bhatt, Program Lead of Waste and Circular Economy, in his concluding remarks, said, “I hope this workshop has provided the basis for government officials to understand the air quality situation and equip them with the right tools and methodologies to produce reliable data and make informed decisions.”

The capacity-building initiative is part of the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and aims to support partner countries and cities in the region to develop and implement policies to improve air quality. In Cambodia, the program aims to equip government officials from the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Public Works and Transport with greater awareness of air quality issues, better knowledge, and capacity to monitor air quality, and assistance in strengthening capacity for projects, programs, and public policies designed to reduce air pollution.