Banteay Meas district in Kampot province has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as Cambodia’s first “smoke-free” district. On January 16, local authorities announced that residents have entirely shifted from using charcoal or wood for cooking to cleaner energy sources such as electricity and gas.
This transformation was spearheaded by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) in partnership with the Banteay Meas district administration. The initiative aimed to reduce the social, economic, environmental, and health impacts of traditional cooking practices, making the district a model for clean energy adoption in Cambodia.
SNV began implementing the programme in early 2022. At that time, only 41% of families in Banteay Meas used clean fuel options, including electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar stoves, or biogas. Now, nearly all households in the district—representing approximately 92,000 individuals—have embraced clean cooking solutions. This significant change has improved the health and quality of life for residents.
The Smoke-Free Village programme, implemented by SNV, is active in 487 villages across four provinces: Kampot, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, and Battambang. Banteay Meas district is the first to meet the programme’s ambitious goals, setting an example for others to follow.
“This achievement reflects the power of community-driven change and showcases Cambodia’s leadership in addressing sustainable energy challenges,” said Alexandra Mandelbaum, SNV Cambodia’s country director. “I hope similar efforts will be replicated globally, highlighting the impact of clean cooking initiatives.”
Por Nimol, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Mines and Energy, praised the programme’s role in improving public health and environmental sustainability by eliminating the use of charcoal and wood for cooking. He noted that the project aligns with Cambodia’s national goal of achieving at least 70% clean energy usage by 2030.
The success of Banteay Meas district demonstrates the transformative potential of clean energy initiatives, inspiring hope for broader adoption across Cambodia and beyond.
Source: The Phnom Penh Post
