MESSAGE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF CAMBODIA

 
Today, it is indeed a great honor and privilege for the Royal Government of Cambodia, its people and for myself to host this significant event.  On behalf of the people of Cambodia and on my own behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profoundest appreciation for your presence and participation in this ASEAN Environment Year 2003 in our Green Kingdom of Cambodia.  I am pleased to reiterate that the momentum for environmental protection in Cambodia has emanated from the tireless and unhesitating support of Samdech Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia.  The Prime Minister has been instrumental for major reforms in natural resources management, environmental protection, including community-based initiatives and protected areas expansion, which are crucial for sustainable development. 

We have just lit the torch of knowledge, which signifies our joint efforts towards the improvement of our understanding of the need to live in harmony with our environment and of the removal of ignorance.  The flame, which is the knowledge, will gradually overcome the wick, which is the ego.  May the flame lift us to the higher ideals of sustainable development within the region and in the world.

Three years ago, ASEAN Environment Year 2000 was held in Brunei Darussalam with the theme "Our Heritage, Our Future".  That meeting highlighted our common concerns and commitments towards environmental protection in the region.  Since then, new commitments and initiatives to protect the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources have been implemented.  Cooperation in the field of environment within ASEAN and ASEAN+3 framework, as well as partnership between ASEAN and other countries have been strengthened and expanded. A number of regional projects have been successfully implemented with support from donors such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), IMO, UNEP, the World Bank, UNDP, ADB, etc.

It is important that the ASEAN countries work together to clearly define our common goals on environmental protection, establish cooperation framework and identify actions to be taken in order to effectively implement the ASEAN Vision 2020 and the Hanoi Plan of Action as well as to ensure the effective implementation of the commitments and initiatives made in the Johannesburg Summit.

The Royal Government of Cambodia considers poverty reduction based on principles of holistic growth as a key priority.  This means economic development, which is multi-sectoral, pro-poor, gender sensitive, and scientifically and environmentally sound.  We clearly recognize the strong complementarities between economic growth, social development and environmental protection.  We are committed to work with all regional countries to protect our environment.     

I would like this ASEAN Environment Year 2003 with the theme "Together Towards Sustainable Development" to be remembered as a meeting of harmony between human beings and nature striving towards a clean and green ASEAN.  The fact that Angkor Wat has been selected for this meeting is very symbolic.  First, because year 2003 is the Cultural and Environmental Year in Cambodia.  You will also see how man-made structures can co-exist well with nature.  This is a very good reminder to all of us that we are part of nature, and harming nature will have adverse effects on ourselves.  We also need to focus on the most vulnerable stakeholders – the marginal farmers, the fishermen, and youths, who have contributed the least to the problem, but are the most vulnerable.

Once again I would like to express my gratitude to you for coming to this important event and to your valued contribution for the success of this ASEAN Environment Year 2003 of which I personally hope that it will lead to a consolidated output for the region.

While you are staying in Siem Reap Angkor Wat land, the spirit of the Kingdom of Cambodia, you are encouraged to experience and enjoy the numerous temples our ancestors built hundreds of years ago.  Let me wish you all good health, and a pleasant stay in our Green Kingdom of Cambodia.

H.E. DR. MOK MARETH
Minister of Environment
CAMBODIA