Phnom Penh, May 6, 2025 — Cambodia has officially launched the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Project on Methane Mitigation (AKCMM), a landmark regional initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions and strengthening climate action. The $20 million project, funded by the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), was inaugurated at a high-level ceremony presided over by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth.
The project will be implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) over a three-year period across nine ASEAN countries, including Cambodia. It is designed to support national and regional efforts to reduce methane — a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide — particularly in agriculture and waste management.
Strengthening Cambodia’s Methane Reduction Strategy
During the launch, Minister Sophalleth emphasised that Cambodia has experienced a notable rise in methane emissions, particularly from rice cultivation, livestock, and waste. These sectors are central to the economy and rural livelihoods, but they also hold potential for smart, climate-resilient solutions.
“By applying innovative techniques and sustainable practices, we can reduce emissions, enhance public health, and build resilient communities,” said Minister Sophalleth. “This project is a critical step toward aligning our national climate goals with global commitments under the Global Methane Pledge and the Paris Agreement.”
The AKCMM will focus on four strategic areas:
- Policy and institutional support
- Improved methane measurement systems
- Development of financial strategies and implementation of mitigation projects
- Facilitation of regional dialogue and partnerships
These interventions are designed to enhance Cambodia’s capacity to attract climate finance, encourage private sector participation, and ensure environmental integrity.
Supporting Cambodia’s Carbon Neutrality by 2050
The AKCMM project aligns closely with Cambodia’s long-term vision of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. It complements national climate strategies and contributes to the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement by opening opportunities for carbon markets and financing.
Shomi Kim, Country Representative for GGGI Cambodia, highlighted the project’s potential to demonstrate proof of concept and unlock scalable solutions. “We see great opportunities in the agricultural sector, particularly through Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which can cut methane emissions by up to 40%. The AKCMM will assess the viability of AWD, sustainable cultivars, and agricultural waste treatment to create tangible, impactful results,” she said.
A Regional Effort with Global Impact
Hyunsoo Kim, Deputy Chief of Mission at the South Korean Embassy in Cambodia, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting ASEAN through increased climate cooperation. “By 2027, Korea will raise its contribution to the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund to $32 million, reflecting our shared goals in combating climate change and supporting sustainable development,” he said.
The project also provides a platform for regional knowledge-sharing and innovation, with Cambodia positioned as a leader among Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in climate action.
In a significant milestone, Cambodia has submitted its National Methane Roadmap to the Global Methane Initiative and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition in May 2025. The roadmap outlines a detailed strategy for reducing methane emissions and integrating mitigation into national development planning.
Unlocking Climate Finance and Green Growth Opportunities
The AKCMM initiative serves as a catalyst for unlocking green finance and boosting Cambodia’s agricultural competitiveness. By promoting climate-smart practices, the project will help reduce emissions while delivering co-benefits in public health, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other stakeholders, will lead the national implementation of the project. The technical working group on climate change will ensure coordination and knowledge exchange at the national level.
The successful rollout of AKCMM underscores Cambodia’s growing role as a proactive contributor to global climate solutions, particularly in methane management — one of the most urgent and actionable areas for climate mitigation.
