Foundation Development and Climate Alliance visits a climate project in Cambodia

Vera Bünte, Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Foundation Development and Climate Alliance, visited a climate project in Cambodia in November 2024. The TONTOTON project removes plastic waste from the roadsides and beaches in the city of Sihanoukville. The port city is located in the Gulf of Siam and faces major challenges when it comes to plastic waste disposal. Bünte on the project: "The approach of the climate project by TONTOTON, ClimatePartner Impact's partner organization, is very effective: people are paid to collect plastic waste that no one else is interested in. This principle has two advantages: It reduces pollution and provides many people - especially women - with an additional source of income." Plastic is removed from nature and then either recycled or disposed of sensibly. For example, the lids of old PET bottles are turned into colourful panels for furniture and walls.  

Bünte describes her personal impression as follows: "The trip to Cambodia clearly showed me how much potential there is in innovative projects. Waste management solves acute environmental problems and also improves the living conditions of local people immensely. It was great to see how committed the local partner organization is - and how important it is to support them in their work. By financing sustainable climate projects, we can make an essential contribution and promote development and the climate.”

Vera Bünte published a blog article about her experiences of the trip.  

If you are interested in an interview with Ms. Bünte or would like to talk to ClimatePartner Impact experts, please contact us: press@climatepartner.com