PHNOM PENH: A US-based ranking website has declared Cambodia the number one nation in the world in the Natural Environment category, followed by the Seychelles and Slovenia.
The “US News & World Report” explained that the score was assigned based on a global survey, as well as a series of aggregated metrics.
The Kingdom was ranked 91 overall in the “Best Countries” index, which was topped by Switzerland, and dominated by Western European and Scandinavian nations.
According to the site, nations with lower levels of industrial activity and urbanisation often achieve stronger scores for natural environment preservation.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth described the environmental ranking as “a great honour”.
The Kingdom manages 73 protected natural areas which cover more than seven million hectares, representing approximately 41 per cent of the country’s land area.
This has contributed to the protection and conservation of forests through stricter law enforcement aimed at preserving wildlife habitats and biodiversity, noted the environment ministry.
It also reflected the foundational environmental policies and protection efforts established under former prime minister Hun Sen, who is currently president of the Senate, it added.
The ministry declared that this valuable legacy has been continued by the seventh-mandate government of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is implementing the Pentagonal Strategy.
The government continues to lead environmental protection and sustainable development efforts, in support of Cambodia’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
