AKP Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025–– 

The Ministry of Environment has extended a warm welcome to a delegation of prominent Japanese technology companies expressing significant interest in collaborating to expand Cambodia’s voluntary carbon credit market.

On July 23 afternoon, the delegation met with H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, at the ministry headquarters in Phnom Penh. 

The Japanese contingent included representatives from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Green-Carbon, Sagri Co., Ltd., Faeger Co., Ltd., Nippon Koei, Archeda Inc., GOMI Solutions Co., Ltd., and SpaceBlast Inc. 

Discussions focused on leveraging advanced satellite data and innovative technologies to enhance Cambodia’s carbon credit initiatives.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth conveyed the ministry’s pleasure in hosting this important meeting, expressing gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, for his principled guidance that facilitated the issuance of essential endorsement letters for the success of Cambodia’s voluntary carbon credit projects.

The Minister further emphasised that under the visionary leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, the Royal Government has cultivated an environment conducive to investment. This environment is underpinned by clear legal frameworks, transparency, accountability, and integrity, thereby enabling the sustainable expansion of the carbon market.

Sharing Cambodia’s successful experience in selling carbon credits on the voluntary market, the Minister underscored that the Ministry of Environment adheres to the guidance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, specifically Articles 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, and 6.8. Revenues generated from carbon credit sales are allocated for three primary purposes: forest protection, local community development under REDD+ projects, and capacity-building initiatives related to forest conservation and restoration.

“Investing together in carbon credits is an investment in protecting the lives of our people from the increasing risks of climate change,” H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth stated. He added that it is opportune for Cambodia to highlight its forest conservation successes through the carbon credit market while embracing advanced, rapid technologies for forest biomass monitoring.

Cambodia has actively supported and implemented REDD+ projects since the 2014 UNFCCC Conference, integrating voluntary carbon market mechanisms, including the sale of forest-based carbon sequestration credits. 

To date, Cambodia has implemented the Keo Seima REDD+ Project (Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces), the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project (Koh Kong and Pursat provinces), REDD+ projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), and various other community-based forest conservation initiatives.

The Ministry’s engagement with these Japanese technology companies signifies a continued commitment to climate action and green development, while strategically positioning Cambodia as a proactive participant in the global carbon credit market.

By K. Rithy Reak