MAPPING THE PLASTIC LITTER LEAKING INTO THE WATERWAYS OF MEKONG COUNTRIES AND PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR EFFICIENT WASTE MANAGEMENT

Plastic leakage in the Mekong region continues to threaten vulnerable communities, exacerbated by climate change and unmanaged waste practices. Despite global initiatives, regional responses remain fragmented, lacking standardized monitoring methods and coordinated action plans. Most interventions are isolated, leading to redundancy and inefficiency.This project proposes a technical working arrangement focused on Science, Technology, and Information (STI) to develop harmonized, evidence-based solutions. Leveraging AIT’s experience in Thailand, Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, the initiative will identify key gaps in existing systems and foster collaboration among stakeholders. With an emphasis on detection, mitigation, and prevention, the project aims to build replicable models and enhance local capacity in alignment with global plastic pollution policies. Read more...

Countrie

Priority Sector

Environment

Countrie

Project Site

Cambodia Lao PDR Thailand Viet Nam

Beneficiaries

No. of Direct Beneficiaries

Duration

Duration

Mar-2024 to May-2026

Objectives

Objectives

  • 1. To apply Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) solutions to address plastic leakage in the Mekong region by engaging stakeholders across sectors—including public, private, academic, NGO, and government entities—to strengthen plastic waste management at both national and regional levels. The project promotes sustainable solutions by leveraging STI and fostering collaboration between public and private actors.
  • 2. The key objectives are structured under three thematic areas: Plastic Leakage Prevention, Plastic Waste Detection and Monitoring, Plastic Waste Collection

Activities

Preventing Plastic Leakage.

Plastic Waste Detection.

Plastic Waste Collection.

[Expected] Results

Trained over 100 participants on pLitter AI-CCTV, the mobile app, and plastic leakage mapping.

Installed 10 new AI-CCTV cameras across Thailand (2), Cambodia (2), Viet Nam (2), and Lao PDR (4).

Updated the mobile app to support four additional local languages—Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Lao —for improved usability.

Compiled a comprehensive report on existing policies, tools, and technologies for monitoring plastic waste in the Mekong region.

Developed a dashboard to record and analyze plastic waste data.

Showcased the project at various international and national platforms, including four international events (GPIP, KOMEC-Korea, KOMEC-Lao PDR) and six national events (Mahidol, TH workshop, SOS2024, Chula workshops, KOMEC-Thailand).

Outcome

Success Factors/Strategies

  • Signed an MoU with a local school in Can Tho, engaging over 500 students, 43 teachers, and 20 representatives from local authorities, universities, and organizations. Created 14 educational murals around the school yard to promote youth awareness of environmental issues. Trained 110 students and 43 teachers on zero-waste principles. Organized a ‘Zero-Waste Day’ event with 600 participants, including students and parents. Collected 1,027 kg of plastic waste from the litter trap installed in the river.
Outcome

Future Strategies and Sustainability Plans

Objectives

PIA Contact Information

  • PIA Name: Asian Institute of Technology
  • Person Name: Dr. Kittiphon Boonma
  • Person Email: kboonma@ait.asia

Achievements

Project Implementing Agency
Contact Person: Dr. Kittiphon Boonma

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Outcome

Project Videos

Outcome

Project Activity Reports

Outcome

Impact Story