18 May 2015: Representatives from the Governments of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, the Philippines and Viet Nam participated in the launch of a project to assist in the development of waste management systems and the reduction in emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) generated from open waste burning processes.

The regional project, which is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be implemented by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aims to demonstrate best available techniques and best environmental practices in open burning activities in response to the Stockholm Convention on POPs. Over 50 participants and representatives from the five governments mentioned, and from development organizations and the private sector, participated in the launch, which took place on 18 May 2015 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Noting that effective control and management of POPs emissions will not be achieved “if everyone acts separately and individually,” Edward Clarence-Smith, UNIDO, emphasized that the project shows strong cooperation between the five government counterparts, development partners and the private sector, and demonstrates their commitment to carry out the objectives of their respective national implementation plans.

Speaking during the launch, Sal Samal, Minister of Environment, Cambodia, noted his country’s efforts to achieve environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood, adding that the regional project will help to achieve these goals in many countries. [UNIDO Press Release]