Environment ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra leads the press tour. YOUSOS APDOULRASHIM
With Cambodia playing host this year to the 7th East Asian Sea Congress, the Ministry of Environment – in cooperation with the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration – has organised a press junket from November 28 to December 2 in Sihanoukville to promote the government’s achievements in the coastal province such as the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity as well as showcasing the region’s potential for seaside eco-tourism.
Environment ministry secretary of state Neth Pheaktra said Cambodia is ready to host this year’s sea congress and has chosen Preah Sihanouk as the venue for the meeting.
Pheaktra said this year’s sea congress would be held under the theme “Charting a New Decade of HOPE [Healthy Oceans, People, and Economies]”.
Thirty national and international journalists from 16 media outlets took part in the five-day press tour.
“This visit is designed to show the public the leadership of Cambodia under [Prime Minister Hun Sen] ... It will show our progress and achievements in the sustainable development of Cambodia’s coastal areas, especially in Preah Sihanouk province where the government has created a multi-purpose model special economic zone,” he said.
According to Pheaktra, journalists on the trip would also visit such places as the beautiful beaches of the province and also be shown the infrastructure that has been built recently including the 34 roads that have been constructed in an effort to modernise the province.
He said he would also be showing the journalists the wastewater treatment plant and the solid waste disposal system. Furthermore, he said he would explain the government’s efforts to responsibly manage conservation of the Cambodian coast.
Pheaktra expressed optimism that the people of Cambodia and the world would soon become more aware of the developments taking place in the province and the richness of its potential.
“In recent years, Preah Sihanouk province has changed a lot from being a quiet province to a bustling and vibrant province for tourism with a growing economy and industry,” he said.
Pheaktra said it is hoped that the East Asian Sea Congress will promote the creation of new opportunities for regional partnerships, the use of innovative technologies, and increase the investment and financing necessary to sustain responsible development and conserve the coastal and marine environments.
He said the congress participants also hope to set a clear roadmap for solutions to maritime issues for the coming decade in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, the 2030 Agenda for SD, UNFCCC, the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and related maritime and conservation agreements.
