Located between the world-famous temples of Angkor Wat and Lake Tonlé Sap, Siem Reap is a region where cultural heritage meets one of Southeast Asia's most important ecosystems. It is here that everwave is establishing its newest cleanup site in Cambodia.
A Unique Location: Between Cultural and Ecological Heritage
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's most significant cultural landmarks and a globally renowned travel destination. Nearby lies Lake Tonlé Sap, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of immense ecological importance.
As the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonlé Sap supports the livelihoods of more than 15 million people and plays a vital role in the region's fisheries and agriculture.
The combination of cultural significance and ecological value makes this area truly unique and highlights the importance of protecting it for future generations. On the northern edge of Lake Tonlé Sap lies the city of Siem Reap, home to our new cleanup site in Cambodia.
The Challenge: Limited Waste Management Infrastructure
Along the shores of Lake Tonlé Sap, numerous floating villages are located directly on the water. Many of these communities have little or no access to formal waste management services such as regular waste collection or recycling systems.
As a result, household waste and plastic debris often end up directly in the lake and, ultimately, in connected rivers and waterways. The region's growing tourism industry further increases waste volumes and places additional pressure on existing infrastructure.
The combination of rising plastic pollution and inadequate waste management poses a growing threat to the fragile ecosystem of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As a major tourism hub with strong hydrological connections to Lake Tonlé Sap through rivers and seasonal flooding, Siem Reap plays a key role in protecting the wider region from plastic pollution.
Our Solution: Building a Long-Term Cleanup Site
The establishment of a permanent cleanup site allows us to tackle these challenges over the long term. Our approach is built around four key pillars: Detect. Collect. Recycle. Inspire.
The process begins with AI-powered waste detection, enabling us to identify pollution hotspots and determine the most effective cleanup locations.
Based on this data, waste is collected both from waterways and along riverbanks. The collected material is then transported to our newly established Zero-Waste Center, where it is sorted using our dedicated sorting container.
Once sorted, the waste is prepared for further processing and transferred to local recycling partners whenever possible.
Through this structured process and our permanent presence on the ground, waste can be collected, sorted, and recovered efficiently. In close collaboration with local partners, public stakeholders, and our Cambodian team, we are creating the foundation for lasting environmental and social impact in the region.