Phnom Penh, 01st April 2026 – The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia, today launched the River Clean-up Campaign “Promoting Sustainable River Tourism and Plastic Waste Reduction across Cambodia’s Waterways.” The campaign aims to reduce plastic pollution while advancing sustainable tourism practices and is implemented under the Plastic Circularity Project supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation.
Cambodia’s rivers are central to the country’s tourism identity, environmental sustainability, and community livelihoods. River-based tourism continues to expand, with more than 60 tourist boat operators active in Phnom Penh along the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers, contributing to local economic growth. However, this growth also presents environmental challenges. The current tourism model relies heavily on single-use plastics, driven by high-volume, short-term consumption in mobile and hygiene-focused settings across hospitality, food and beverage, recreation, and transport services.
To respond to the challenges, the campaign promotes the 4Rs approach (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to reduce single-use plastics, strengthen plastic waste management, and encourage responsible practices among tourism operators. Guided by the slogan “Rivers for Tourism, Tourism for People, People for Plastic-free Rivers,” the campaign highlights the strong interlinkages between the health of rivers and the well-being of the communities that depend on them:
- Rivers for Tourism: Rivers provide natural beauty and cultural value that drive tourism
- Tourism for People: Tourism generates jobs, income, and opportunities for local communities
- People for Plastic-free Rivers: Communities and tourism operators safeguard rivers through responsible practices and pollution prevention.
H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, said, “The Royal Government of Cambodia has recognized tourism as the Kingdom’s ‘Green Gold,’ a key driver of sustainable economic growth, job creation, and national development. In 2024, the country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors, surpassing pre-COVID recovery targets by one year. Despite border challenges in 2025, the sector remained resilient, with 5.56 million international tourists and 2.5 million domestic travelers. However, river tourism faces urgent threats, including plastic pollution, limited waste management infrastructure on tour boats, and persistent littering habits. Addressing these challenges is essential to protect Cambodia’s rivers and ensure sustainable tourism.”
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Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Cambodia, said, “Addressing plastic pollution requires strong and sustained partnerships. Through this campaign, UNDP and the Ministry of Tourism are working together, with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, to tackle plastic waste in the tourism sector and turn sustainable principles into practice. Private sector engagement, including support from partners such as the Coca-Cola Foundation, plays an important role in advancing practical solutions and scaling up efforts towards a ‘plastic-free’ vision for Cambodia. UNDP continues to support efforts to reduce plastic leakage, strengthen waste management systems, and promote the 4Rs approach.”
His Excellency Huot Hay, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Capital Administration, stated: “In Phnom Penh, solid waste amounts to approximately 4,200 tons per day, of which 65% is organic waste, 20% is plastic waste, and another 10% is other solid waste. Therefore, to address the issue of waste and solid waste in Phnom Penh, it is essential to have participation from citizens and all kinds of business owners, as well as government institutions and development partners.”
H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, added that, “Cambodia’s rivers are not only natural treasures but also lifelines for Cambodia’s tourism and communities. Protecting them from plastic pollution means protecting our future. Through this campaign, we call on all stakeholders to embrace the 4Rs approach and work together to advance plastic reduction in the hospitality sector and ensure our rivers remain clean, healthy, and attractive for generations to come.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Chhunmuoy Ath, Communications Analyst, UNDP Cambodia at [email protected]
Ms. Aminath Mihdha, Private Sector Partnership and Communications Specialist, Regional Bureau of Asia and Pacific at [email protected]
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UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network advocating for change and connecting governments, private sector and civil society to knowledge, experience, and resources to end the injustice of poverty and inequality, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen good governance and peace, and promote nature-based solutions and climate resilience. Present in over 170 countries and territories, we assist nations to implement their solutions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the people, the planet, and their prosperity. Learn more at https://www.undp.org/cambodia or follow us at @UNDPCambodia.
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