A senior Ministry of Environment official expressed concern over the impact of microplastics and hazardous substances released from plastic waste.

Touch Vina, acting head of the ministry's General Directorate of Environmental Knowledge and Information, raised his concerns during an event to mark World Wetlands Day in Sithor commune of Kandal province's Khsach Kandal district on February 11.

Vina said that to reduce levels of hazardous substances and contaminants in the environment, the public needs to properly dispose of solid waste and plastic.

He noted that plastic debris and microplastics arise from the degradation of plastic waste through natural weathering processes like heat and moisture, infiltrate soil and water systems, and are ingested by fish and other animals that are then consumed by humans.

“Thus, by properly disposing of rubbish and solid waste and conserving wetlands, we are protecting our health and the environment and biodiversity for their sustainability,” he said.

During the event, environment officials also planted small trees and handed over some of them to six communities in the commune.

Vina said the World Wetlands Day is celebrated to promote public awareness of the vital importance of Ramsar sites and to encourage the public to join the protection, restoration and preservation of wetlands in Cambodia.

He said the public should also take part in the protection of wetlands and their vicinity by preventing all activities that damage them.