The problem

The lack of solid waste management in Cambodia is a widening crisis, and Kirirom National Park suffers acutely from such poor management. As the only national park within easy traveling distance from Phnom Penh (85 km), it is a major destination for tourists and local residents. In addition to prolific bird life, Kirirom Park also houses some unique flora, such as Sumatran Pine, the only pine occurring south of the Equator. The Ministry of Environment and the Department of Nature Conservation expressed their desire to address the litter problem, but they lacked the funding needed to organize waste collection and provide public education.

Current Activity

The objectives of the one-year project were to design a solid waste management system for the park, increase the environmental awareness of visitors through education and outreach, and dramatically decrease littering. Throughout 2002 and 2003, Blacksmith supported the collection of waste and recycling in the park, along with environmental education initiatives by park staff for park visitors. A waste disposal site and disabled access path were also installed. Current efforts at the park focus on minimizing packaging waste from food vendors, using park staff in a more effective manner to educate tourists and relocating the park waste disposal site.