National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2021).

The National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2021) outlines Cambodia's vision and roadmap for transitioning to a circular economy. The strategy aims to move away from the traditional linear economic model of extraction, consumption, and disposal, and instead focuses on closing the loop of the entire value chain to maintain resource value for as long as possible. Its goals include: 1. Increase sustainable production and energy use; 2. Increase sustainable consumption; 3. Reduce waste generation at source; 4. Improve effectiveness of waste collection, management, segregation and transport; 5. Promote product reuse and repair; 6. Increase recycling, composting and energy recovery; 7. Ensure environmental controls at all waste management sites; 8. Promote widespread environmental education and awareness raising. Guided by principles such as environmental protection, public health and safety, inclusive economic development, and non-discrimination, the strategy recognizes the significant environmental and economic benefits of a circular economy, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimized waste generation, and enhanced business competitiveness.
The policy document identifies five strategic objectives and associated priority actions to overcome barriers to a circular economy over the next five years. The strategic objectives include increasing the efficient use of raw materials, promoting sustainable consumption and effective reuse and repair, enhancing waste collection and recycling, ensuring effective management of residual waste, and strengthening cross-sector stakeholder engagement, awareness, and capacity building. Key sectors like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and waste management are targeted for transformation through actions such as promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, developing eco-industrial parks, and supporting informal waste workers. The policy document aligns with Cambodia’s national development goals and international commitments like the SDGs and Paris Agreement. It includes a robust monitoring and evaluation framework and proposes diverse funding sources to ensure long-term implementation and impact.