The Clean Phnom Penh Campaign 2019
The Goal:
The Clean Phnom Penh Campaign 2019 included participation from public and private institutions, the Artists’ Association, and civil societies. Awareness programs were implemented through educational facilities. Additionally, messages of the campaign were broadcasted across the radio and television services. The joint campaign allowed multiple stakeholders to take part in finding a solution to the waste issue.
Zero Plastic Concert advertisement. The representatives held a concert to launch the campaign. Source: UNDP
The founder of the campaign, Hun Many, pushed for more youth involvement. A resulting effort of the campaign included a project made by students, at least 400 students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh executed the “Campaign against plastics use and behavioral change toward the reduction of single-use plastics.” They received support from the Swedish government and the UN Development and Programme. The project will promote awareness among the youth and encourage behavioral change through targeted activities.
Issues with Solution Attempt:
This yearly campaign has raised awareness as well as community action within the monthly timespan. While over the years this campaign has helped reduce the amount of plastic, it does not have a significant impact on Sihanoukville’s amount of waste. Overall the city produces 700 tons of waste daily, including 34% plastic. This amount of waste needs a solution that can compensate the amount of plastic added daily to the city.