Coca-Cola Cambodia Partners with Ministry of Environment to Provide Solar Irrigation System for Cambodia’s First Regional Nursery
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 13, 2024: Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Coca-Cola Cambodia for the provision of a solar irrigation system to the Kingdom’s first regional nursery in Tbong Khmum. This system is capable of irrigating over a million seedlings annually in an effort to meet the public demand for trees and promote green spaces.
This regional nursery is the first facility of its kind in Cambodia and is located in Village 44, Preah Theat Commune, Oreang Ov District, Tbong Khmum Province. The creation of the facility is part of the government’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028 which aims to ensure the protection, preservation, and conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources in order to achieve a carbon-neutral country status with a 60 percent forest coverage by 2050.
The MOU signing took place at the Ministry of Environment office in Phnom Penh, witnessed by Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth and Cambodia Beverage Company (Coca-Cola Cambodia) CEO Joseph Ho.
Minister of Environment His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth said: “We are grateful for Coca-Cola Cambodia for their donation of the solar irrigation system which will play a significant part in contributing to the implementation of the circular strategy and bringing our ambitions for a carbon neutral economy a step closer.”
Minister of Environment His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth said The Royal Government of Cambodia has instructed the Ministry of Environment to organize an exhibition to promote and distribute saplings under the theme “Green Sprout” from 10 July 2024 in front of the Ministry of Environment Office for the display and free distribution of saplings to citizens to be planted at homes, schools, monasteries, public places and private places. The event is organized to respond to the needs of Cambodia’s actual situation and global environmental trends for the effective and sustainable protection and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources in protected areas. This will accelerate Cambodia’s journey towards becoming a carbon-neutral country with 60% forest cover by 2050.
“We at Coca-Cola Cambodia are impressed by the Ministry of Environment’s leadership in establishing this first regional nursery” said CEO of Coca-Cola Cambodia Joseph Ho. “The donation of the solar irrigation system aligns perfectly with our commitment to protect our planet. It is also our effort to reduce CO2 emissions across our operations and value chain, as outlined in our 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy from our parent company Swire Coca-Cola Limited. This initiative will not only benefit the environment but also empower local communities and markets to embrace sustainable practices. We are honored to be a long-standing partner with the Ministry of Environment and contribute to building a greener Cambodia for future generations.”
Last year Coca-Cola Cambodia handed over an irrigation system for the nursery at the Cardamom Mountains National Park in Kampong Speu province. In a similar project in early 2021, the company, under partnership with APSARA National Authority, handed over a solar water well for irrigation of seedlings and greenery plantation in Angkor area in Leang Dai village in the Angkor Thom District in Siem Reap Province.
To learn more about the Environment Ministry’s green initiatives, visit www.moe.com.kh. To learn more about Coca-Cola Cambodia’s sustainability, visit our website.