Smart Axiata signs a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of the Environment to strengthen the ‘Green Sprouts’ initiative and protect the climate

Smart Axiata, one of Cambodia's leading integrated ICT and telecommunications providers, and the Ministry of the Environment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote environmentally friendly practices and environmental initiatives throughout the Kingdom.

The ambitious aim of the programme is to germinate one million saplings in order to increase vegetation cover throughout Cambodia. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Environment

The signing ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of the Environment, and attended by Smart Axiata's CEO, Ziad Shatara. Both men stressed the importance of joint efforts between the public and private sectors in promoting climate action.

Smart Axiata has actively supported various environmental initiatives, providing financial and material support to tree planting movements, local tree nurseries and tree distribution exhibitions. The telecoms operator has also facilitated nationwide awareness campaigns through its communications channels.

Through this partnership, Smart Axiata will continue to amplify national campaigns such as ‘Clean Cambodia! Green Cambodia! Khmer Can Do!’ and “Today, I won't use plastic” by leveraging its extensive digital platforms, SMS blasts and social media channels. In addition, Smart Axiata will support nursery germination, helping to generate 1 million saplings for tree distribution and planting movements across Cambodia to increase green cover and contribute to climate mitigation.

Ziad Shatara, CEO of Smart Axiata, reaffirmed the company's aim to use its resources to support Cambodia's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to leading by example, harnessing technology to tackle climate challenges and working closely with the Department of the Environment and other stakeholders to build a more sustainable future,” he noted.

Eang Sophalleth, Minister of the Environment, stressed the importance of the collaboration, saying: ‘This memorandum of understanding represents an important step in promoting a greener Cambodia. Partnering with a committed private organisation like Smart Axiata is essential to achieving phase 1 of our pentagonal strategy, the national sustainable development goals and the circular strategy on the environment.’

His Excellency also mentioned: ‘the buds that grow in the nurseries at the initiative of the environmental family, local and international partners, development partners and private sector companies like Smart Axiata are a legacy for future generations of Cambodia’. His Excellency then thanked Smart Axiata and welcomed it to the environmental family for its environmental responsibility and for helping to make Cambodia clean and green.