Background
On March 4, 2026, the Ministry of Environment disseminated Circular No. 01 regarding the prevention and reduction of public air pollution in Ratanakiri Province. The event included a speech by H.E. Sabo Ouzano, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, held at Samdech O- Samdech Me High School in Banlung City, Ratanakiri Province.
The circular addresses air pollutant emissions arising from business operations, agriculture, industrial factories, and various vehicle uses. Particular attention is given to emissions caused by forest fires, waste burning, and plastic waste, all contributing negatively to air quality and public health.
Scope of Application
The circular applies to sources of air pollution within Ratanakiri Province, including industrial activities, agricultural practices, transportation emissions, and combustion processes such as forest burning, waste incineration, and plastic disposal. It targets public institutions, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders responsible for monitoring and mitigating air quality impacts.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The circular emphasizes the health impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5) and other air pollutants causing respiratory diseases, skin inflammation, vascular problems, and cancer. It confirms Cambodia’s commitment to air quality policies aligned with the Royal Government’s environmental sector strategies.
To support implementation, the Ministry has installed 59 air quality monitoring stations nationwide—13 in Phnom Penh and 46 in various provinces—including two monitoring stations in Ratanakiri Province: one at Samdech Me High School in Banlung City and another at Prokaev Primary School in Prokaev District. Additionally, the Ministry employs three mobile air quality monitoring vehicles and one satellite-based monitoring device.
The circular encourages sub-national administrations to enforce measures preventing dust emissions from construction sites, industrial smoke, forest fires, illegal burning activities including hunting-related fires, and waste burning contributing to air pollution.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Entities operating within Ratanakiri Province are expected to comply with the measures outlined in Circular No. 01 by controlling emissions from their activities and cooperating with local administrations in pollution reduction efforts. This regulatory framework reinforces environmental compliance and monitoring obligations for businesses, agricultural operators, and other polluters.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment, Cambodia. Facebook post, March 4, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid02VZMNq634VPRyXT3oZdRCdqjuqUWn5BCr48C5531qHu1kP9FeSWMuhvpewxT1tVNDl
