PhnomPenhPost-Mar 27, 2026
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth announced the official launch of the Kingdom’s first “carbon neutral community”, yesterday, March 26. The Koh Sralao natural protected community area — in Kohn Kong province — will be the first of its kind not just in Cambodia, but the entire ASEAN region. The minister described the development as a major step towards the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2050.
He explained that transforming the beautiful Koh Sralao into a carbon-neutral island for sustainable development will focus on several key strategies. These include infrastructure development and encouraging active participation from stakeholders — especially local communities — to promote environmental conservation and green, sustainable coastal development.
He noted that the ministry will implement key action plans such as restoring mangrove forests and tropical forests that were previously lost, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting green technologies, and encouraging the use of solar-powered and renewable energy for transportation. Additionally, efforts will include efficient solid waste management through sorting and disposal, avoiding uncontrolled burning, developing eco-friendly tourism infrastructure and products, and promoting smart agriculture. Koh Sralao, located in Koh Kapi commune, Botum Sakor district, is home to over 300 households. Alongside the launch, the ministry, in collaboration with the Koh Kong provincial administration and the NGO Mother Nature, organized a “Mangrove Peace Festival” on the island. Read more at:
