Phnom Penh & Rendez-vous de la CCIFC: The Question of Sustainable Development
- La Rédaction
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
The Factory Phnom Penh hosted yesterday the first « Rendez-vous de la CCIFC » with several speakers: Caroline Bougon-Sirieix from Vinci Airports, Catherine Germier-Hamel from Millennium Destinations, Sarah Kolbenstetter from Little Green Spark, and finally Frantz Vaganay from Sevea.
Highlights from this Rendezvous
Environmental Commitment and Awareness at Vinci Airports in Cambodia
Caroline Bougon-Sirieix presented the group's environmental ambitions in the context of its operations in Cambodia. According to her, "this is a real corporate subject led by the Vinci group, according to a cascading effect extending to our sites in Canada."
She recalled that the environmental strategy is based on the concept of Positive Mobility, structured around four pillars:
Economic benefit,
National development,
Environmental transition.
Within the environmental pillar, three major axes structure the action: climate transition, circular economy, and the preservation of natural resources. These principles form the basis of a transversal and coherent policy applied to all Vinci airport network airports.
The waste management project fits into this logic, with the objective of zero landfill waste by 2030, a considerable challenge in the Cambodian context where recycling infrastructures remain very limited. Launched in mid-2022, this program aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill through coordinated actions: source reduction, selective sorting, development of recycling channels, and social inclusion. The latter aspect involves integrating workers from the informal sector by offering decent working conditions, sun protection, sanitary facilities, and adapted sorting spaces.
As Ms. Bougon-Sirieix emphasized, "it's not enough to buy garbage bins; people also need to be educated to use them."
The project thus relies on continuous training, awareness, and exemplary leadership within the airport community. The initiative is accompanied by environmental education campaigns aimed at employees and commercial partners, as part of a sustainable transformation of behaviors.
She also mentioned the role of the « Fresque du Climat » program, introduced at the end of 2022 in partnership with SEVEA, as a collective awareness-raising educational tool. All Vinci Airports employees in Cambodia are now trained in this exercise, and sixteen of them conduct workshops today, both at the airport and in schools or provinces, to promote ecological awareness among younger generations.
Details on Solar by Mr. Vaganay
Responding to a question about regulations affecting solar panels, Mr. Vaganay explained: "Indeed, there has been movement on this subject. The regulation you refer to is not very recent; it actually dates back to 2022 but has undergone several adjustments since. The most recent changes mainly concern companies wishing to install rooftop solar, called photovoltaic roof installations.
I specify it is rooftop solar because large solar farms are not covered by this same regulation. For these rooftop installations, the logic has changed a bit. Now, if an individual or any other business wants to equip their building with solar panels, it is possible, but it implies paying a compensatory tariff to EDC, variable according to the installation's power.
This tariff is a kind of contribution depending on the project's size. The regulation obviously has other aspects, but this one currently concentrates debates because it is seen as a barrier to investment. For example, a company that produces solar electricity at a cost of 6 or 7 cents per kilowatt-hour will have to pay EDC between 3 and 6 cents of compensatory tariff on top. In other words, the economic advantage of solar diminishes quickly. Only very small installations, under 10 kilowatts, are exempt from this obligation.
But 10 kilowatts is not much: it suits a house or a very small company but not larger structures. That is why, today, this regulation hinders business solar development. It should also be noted that the Ministry of Energy does not prioritize rooftop solar. Its goal is to leave some leeway for exporting companies, especially in textiles, which face certain international environmental requirements. The idea is to allow them to invest to produce part of their electricity consumption without it costing much more than electricity bought from EDC.
In summary, the system exists and works but remains economically unattractive for most companies. Since the compensatory tariff was introduced, few new installations have appeared because many hesitate. Some calculate costs, but outside specific constraints—especially environmental or image-related—solar investment under current conditions is not yet truly viable."
An Engaged Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
Ms. Catherine Germier-Hamel, social entrepreneur and consultant-trainer, established herself as a strong voice in sustainable tourism development and promotion, notably in Southeast Asia. Drawing on her experience leading Millennium Destinations and Destination Mekong, she embodies a pragmatic approach combining economic impact, social responsibility, and environmental preservation.
During her presentation, she highlighted the importance of aligning visions, values, and needs of all stakeholders: local entrepreneurs, NGOs, financial institutions, and educators. According to her, this tourism ecosystem model is based on practical framework, field vision, and a mindset integrating socio-economic development with social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Ms. Hamel also intends to particularly enhance impact capital, professional training, and knowledge transfer, essential to guide future sustainable tourism leaders. Her commitment to meaningful travel experiences shows how to create economic benefits while respecting local cultures and ensuring fair employment. Her intervention aimed to highlight a clear credo: thoughtful, meaningful, and sustainable tourism.
In response to an audience question about tackling the plastic pollution problem, Ms. Hamel explained:
When Plastic Reveals Development Paradoxes
Actually, Ms. Hamel continued, I first wanted to recall that tourism remains Cambodia's fourth industry. The country largely depends on the revenues it generates: it is, in many respects, a true export industry.
But at the same time, plastic pollution—as well as noise pollution and other nuisances—contributes to making the destination less attractive. However, it must be remembered that tourism is a model industry, favorable to implementing many initiatives, campaigns, and operations related to lifestyle, sustainable consumption, and responsible production.
Certainly, tourism remains a complex and fragmented sector, mixing numerous actors, including those from the informal sector. But there are indeed ways to mobilize tourists, local communities, and different concerned ministries.
Because tourism does not only fall under the Ministry of Tourism; it also involves construction, transport, communication, and investment. It is, in short, an industry capable of serving as a model.
To answer directly the question: yes, plastic is a problem, but it is only the tree that hides the forest. While recognizing its visual and ecological impact, it must be recalled that plastic also facilitated access to drinking water for many Cambodians. Practical and accessible, it remains a useful material in a developing country.
Of course, plastic causes guilt, especially among visitors from developed countries. But in a context of persistent poverty and inequalities, environmental issues should not be isolated. Environmental protection is part of a whole, crossing social, cultural, and economic challenges.
It would be hypocritical, finally, to promote Cambodia as an idealized ecotourism destination. On the contrary, action is needed at all levels—environmental, social, and economic—with lucidity and coherence.
A Diligent Student...
The good news is that Cambodia shows itself as a diligent student. It benefits from international financing, and when it reaches a higher development level, these aids will likely decrease. But the projects carried out with the Ministry of Tourism, the World Bank, and the Ministry of Environment translate a real will to progress.
If the country strives to be a good student, it is as much to obtain funding as to affirm regional leadership, notably within the Mekong region or ASEAN. Not everything is perfect, far from it, but a dynamic ecosystem is forming, driven by committed actors.
Training, awareness, and skills strengthening illustrate this tangible political will. And, to conclude on a hopeful note, the Ministry of Environment just opened consultations for zero plastic policies, inviting the private sector to actively participate in the reflection."
Delivery Services
Regarding the environmental impact of delivery services that exploded during the Covid period, Sarah Kolbenstetter shared their difficulties in gathering reliable information.
"To answer the question about delivery services, I never really obtained answers. I tried several times, but most remained silent," confides Sarah Kolbenstetter.
"I think they are aware of the problem, but the system remains deeply dependent on single-use materials."
She concludes: "There is little data available, yet the subject is crucial. For our trainers, it would be interesting to talk about it again in an adapted context. Especially since a certain organization is already in place."
Use of Generators in Airports
Caroline Bougon-Sirieix specified:
"It's quite simple since airports are connected to the EDC network. That said, studies have been conducted to consider installing a mini solar farm to power the airport. Regarding the context mentioned by Frantz, it was not possible to deploy this project. It is still an idea we keep in reserve while closely following regulatory developments on this subject, as obviously, it would fully fit our site preservation logic.
One small addition: today—and I think those who have lived a long time in Cambodia have noticed it—we benefit from a reliable electrical network. Thus, although many buildings, including airports, are equipped with generators as backup, their use remains very limited in practice.
I also wanted to add an addition about carbon," explained Caroline Bougon-Sirieix. "At Sihanoukville airport, you may not know, but a vast mangrove extends nearby. It is one of our vigilance points because we want to preserve this ecosystem, a real actor of decarbonization. This mangrove cannot be officially included in our commitments because the observation period required exceeds our contract duration with the State. But that does not prevent us from ensuring it is strictly maintained in its current state."
In conclusion, Mr. Vaganay stated:
"If we look more closely at Cambodia's energy mix, we see that more than 60% of the electricity produced already comes from renewable sources; the exact rate reaches 62.3%. The government has set a target of 70%, and I am convinced it will achieve it. When examining current investments, especially in solar but also in wind and energy storage projects, everything indicates that goal is within reach.
It must be kept in mind—and I often repeat it—that in terms of decarbonization, Cambodia already stands out. It ranks just behind Laos: number 2, or even 3, among ASEAN countries."
Comments