Phnom Penh, Cambodia 12 January 2024—Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia has approved and endorsed the Operations Manual for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in Cambodia, according to the Ministry of Environment. An endorsed framework for Article 6 implementation will enable Cambodia to be fully prepared to access carbon financing under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Cambodia’s ambitious climate targets outlined in the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality are backed by innovative solutions designed to decarbonize the country’s priority sectors. However, these mitigation efforts require significant financial resources, making Article 6 crucial for securing international cooperation.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of the Ministry of Environment, said, “This Operations Manual will support the increased flows of finance for Cambodia’s priority projects. It establishes eligibility criteria and clarifies the role of government in managing relevant processes. Importantly, this manual builds confidence of project proponents and potential buyers, ultimately supporting the growth of robust and high-integrity international carbon transactions from Cambodia.”

The Operations Manual, developed hand in hand between the Ministry of Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute, is an important framework facilitating Cambodia to partake in cooperative approaches under the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement enabling cooperation between countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Ms. Shomi Kim, GGGI Cambodia Country Representative, said, “Cambodia is one of the leading countries among GGGI Member States that has developed and endorsed the Operations Manual of Article 6 under the Paris Agreement. This signals to the world on the readiness of the Cambodian government on the Article 6 cooperation.”

GGGI has supported the Ministry of Environment in preparing for carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement through capacity building, policy support, international cooperation (link up with potential buyers) and project development. ​ Successful carbon trading under the Article 6 framework is expected to unlock a new flow of finance to Cambodia enabling support to climate mitigation projects, as well as the priority projects of the Cambodian government, making them viable and therefore setting an example.