P
hnom Penh, Cambodia June 27th, 2019 –The Phnom Penh Capital Administration, in close collaboration with the National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), launched the Phnom Penh Sustainable City Plan 2018-2030 at a major event attended by more than 150 policymakers, government officials, embassies, development partners, non-governmental organizations and youth groups. The Plan, which was jointly developed by Phnom Penh municipal authorities with NCSD and GGGI, provides an overview of current challenges which Phnom Penh faces in terms of sustainable urban growth and commits to a set of objectives relating to (i) urban planning for Phnom Penh and its satellite cities, (ii) flood control and sanitation; (iii) clean energy; (iv) reducing transport emissions, congestion and accidents; (vi) green building and affordable housing; (vii) greening industries; (viii) improving waste management; and (ix) greening public spaces and preserving heritage. The Plan concludes with a list of 48 proposed projects translating principles into specific action.
The
population of Phnom Penh tripled in the past ten years. Phnom Penh represents over 30% of the Gross National Product. Fast urban growth has been paired with an investment boom, but has also put a strain on natural resources and services. The city currently has no wastewater treatment system, a landfill which is filling up quickly and increasing traffic congestion.
“The development of Phnom Penh must acknowledge its environmental impact and pay full attention to climate change. This means development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, ensuring a clean and green environment in the city” states the Governor of Phnom Penh, H.E. Khoung Sreng, in his foreword.
Phnom Penh Capital Administration’s vice governor, H.E Hout Hai, in his opening remarks, pointed out the economic growth in Phnom Penh. With double-digit growth rates, the city has seen major investments in the construction sector, including in hotels, restaurants, bars, and high rise residential and commercial buildings. This brings along both positive and negative consequences. Some of the challenges the city faces include providing adequate transport solutions, addressing water pollution and increasing volumes of solid waste. Climate change also affects urban areas with increased urban flooding. The city will take this into account when making investment decisions and developing infrastructure. This Plan is a guiding principle for green growth in the implementation of Phnom Penh’s Master Plans.
H.E. Sophalleth Eang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment (MoE) underlined that the Phnom Penh Sustainable City Plan is a good start to serve as a role model for secondary cities. He expressed his gratitude to those who were involved in the making of the plan, including NCSD and Phnom Penh Capital Administration for coordination and guidance in development of the plan and GGGI, for the dedication in spearheading green urban development programs in Cambodia.
GGGI Cambodia’s Country Representative, Ms. Karolien Casaer-Diez illustrated some of the urban development challenges around the globe and the solutions which GGGI has introduced in its 33 partner countries. GGGI programs across the world include policy and investment advice on green building, clean transport, sanitation, waste management, manufacturing and more. She highlighted some of the projects in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces where GGGI is working with the municipal administration and the local business community on solutions for decentralized wastewater management as well as solid waste management. She emphasized the opportunities which green urban growth can bring along for Phnom Penh citizens and industries, and the potential for job creation, green investment and gains in public health and citizens’ wellbeing.
About Green Growth Institute
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote green growth. The organization partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly, are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. To learn more about GGGI, see https://gggi.org and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact Details:
Ms. Karolien Casaer- Diez
Country Representative, Cambodia
Global Green Growth Institute
Mobile: +855 78 55 66 90
Email: karolien.casaer@gggi.org
