Eang Sophalleth addresses the 6th GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting (EMM-6), held from September 10-13 in Cambodia. Environment ministry
Environment ministers and deputy ministers from the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have endorsed a new five-year environmental strategy.
The plan includes proposals for more than $1 billion worth of technical assistance and targeted investments to increase climate resilience and ecological sustainability across the region, according to the Ministry of Environment.
Support for the strategy was announced on the final day of the 6th GMS Environment Ministers' Meeting (EMM-6), held from September 10-13, hosted by Cambodia.
The ministry stated that the new GMS 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability has four priority themes that include: enhancing climate and disaster resilience for communities and ecosystems, supporting a just and inclusive low-carbon transition, fostering a circular green economy and strengthening pollution control measures and deploying nature-based solutions for promoting biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods.
The Phnom Penh Joint Statement on the Prevention of Plastic Pollution, supported by representatives of the six countries, emphasises the need for cross-border collaboration to address plastic pollution at its source.
The ministry noted that many important themes were discussed, and priorities for action were proposed. It said these include the need to promote sustainable alternatives to plastic, establish knowledge-sharing platforms on waste management and the circular economy and deploy targeted climate and disaster risk financing instruments.
It added that there was emphasis on demonstrating financing tools at the provincial, city and community levels to directly benefit local communities.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth, who presided over the meeting on Friday, September 13, noted that the Mekong region is rich in natural resources but is currently grappling with the impacts of climate change.
He added that the sixth meeting would serve as a vital driving force to improve environmental quality, combat climate change and address natural disasters.
“The promotion of environmental quality is essential for the wellbeing and safety of the people in the Mekong region. Improving environmental quality is not just for the environment itself but also contributes to public health and the region as a whole,” the minister said.
Fatima Yasmin, vice-president for sectors and themes of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), acknowledged that the GMS is abundant in cultural heritage and economic potential.
However, she noted that the region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, according to the ministry.
“The challenges we face include rising temperatures and climate change. ADB recognises the critical need for urgent and collective action. Our commitment to assisting the GMS countries in their journey toward sustainable development remains unchanged,” she said.
“The task ahead is to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into all aspects of our development plans, policies and investments. That is why ADB has pledged to allocate $100 billion for climate actions in Asia and the Pacific between 2019 and 2030,” she added.
