Dry-season air quality campaign underway in border provinces
An air quality management campaign event was held in Pailin province on January 23. Environment ministry
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Air quality management efforts — through increased public awareness and measures to prevent the burning of agricultural waste like crop stubble, as well as garbage, and the use of fires to clear forests, which are major sources of air pollution—have been expanded to Pailin province.
Pailin is one of the border provinces where the Ministry of Environment campaign is running, from January through April.
It aims to ensure the protection of public health and the environment in the Cambodia–Thailand border provinces during the dry season.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya attended an awareness raising event on January 24. He explained that the ministry is working with various government institutions and local authorities to educate the public.
He noted strong public participation, and said current campaigns like “Today, I Will Not Use Plastic”, “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do” and the “National Road Without Plastic Bags Campaign” are continuing to enjoy success.
Pailin deputy governor Hem Rithy expressed his appreciation for the ministry’s organisation of the event, adding that the provincial administration will continue to cooperate in promoting and implementing Government Circular No. 01, by educating citizens and enforcing measures to prevent fires which cause air pollution.
A ministry statement described clean air and a healthy environment as the foundation of life, noting that they are not merely signs of civilization that enhance quality of life; rather, they are essential conditions for human survival.
“Every breath we take directly connects us to the surrounding ecosystem, making air quality a matter of life and death for health, well-being and the sustainability of humanity. When the environment is protected, life improves; conversely, if it is neglected, both human longevity and society as a whole will suffer severe consequences,” it stated.
-Phnom Penh Post-
