Phnom Penh, July 25 — The Ministry of Environment has welcomed a high-profile delegation of Japanese technology companies expressing strong interest in supporting and expanding Cambodia’s voluntary carbon credit market.
The meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters on the afternoon of July 23, was presided over by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, and featured discussions on integrating cutting-edge technologies with Cambodia’s forest conservation initiatives.
The Japanese delegation included representatives from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Green-Carbon, Sagri Co., Ltd., Faeger Co., Ltd., Nippon Koei, Archeda Inc., GOMI Solutions Co., Ltd., and SpaceBlast Inc. Their primary focus was on applying advanced satellite data and high-tech monitoring systems to enhance the accuracy and transparency of Cambodia’s carbon credit activities.
H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth expressed deep appreciation for the delegation’s interest, thanking Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, for his long-standing leadership and guidance in establishing the legal and institutional groundwork for Cambodia’s carbon credit success. The Minister also acknowledged the proactive leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, under whose vision Cambodia has become an increasingly attractive destination for environmental and technological investment.
“Cambodia is committed to working within a framework of transparency, accountability, and integrity to ensure the sustainable growth of our voluntary carbon market,” stated Dr. Sophalleth.
Highlighting Cambodia’s experience in the voluntary carbon market, he noted the Ministry’s strict adherence to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, particularly Articles 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8. The revenues from carbon credit sales, he emphasized, are transparently reinvested into forest protection, community development under REDD+ projects, and the upskilling of personnel involved in forest restoration and conservation.
“Investing together in carbon credits is an investment in protecting the lives of our people from the increasing risks of climate change,” Dr. Sophalleth stated. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Cambodia’s forest conservation achievements on the global stage through innovative monitoring tools such as satellite-based forest biomass tracking.
Cambodia has been actively involved in REDD+ initiatives since the 2014 UNFCCC Conference, aligning voluntary market mechanisms with sustainable forest management. Notable initiatives include:
- Keo Seima REDD+ Project (Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces)
- Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project (Koh Kong and Pursat provinces)
- REDD+ projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
- Community-driven conservation efforts across multiple provinces
The meeting with Japanese firms signifies the Ministry’s long-term commitment to advancing green development through international partnerships. By welcoming innovative technologies for forest surveillance and carbon data management, Cambodia aims to become a regional leader in voluntary carbon trading and climate resilience.
Also read, Cambodia Advances Climate-Resilient Water Governance with Support from Australia
The collaboration also reflects Cambodia’s strategic alignment with global climate goals, reinforcing its image as a country that is not only safeguarding its natural resources but also contributing meaningfully to the global climate agenda.
