Overview
GIC organized a two-day training workshop on Plastic Leakage Mapping and Monitoring Plastic Litter using AI-CCTV, in collaboration with our Cambodian partners COMPOSTED and the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) in Battambang, Cambodia. This was a part of the ongoing Plastic Flow Mekong project funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund. The workshop aimed to enhance the skills of local district officials and waste management staff. Participants learned to utilize AI-enabled CCTV systems and geospatial tools, including Citizen Science and a Survey Mobile App, to monitor plastic leakage and manage waste more efficiently and effectively.
Highlights
The event began with welcome remarks from Mr. Chek Noy of Battambang Municipality, who welcomed participants and organizers while emphasizing Battambang’s commitment to waste management. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Kittiphon Boonma, Project Coordinator for the Plastic Flow Mekong Project, who provided an overview of the project’s background, objectives, integrated approach, framework, and local partners.
Next, Mr. Uch Rithy, Deputy Director, COMPOSTED and Dr. Vin Spoann, Department Head of Economic Development, RUPP shared insights into their main activities within the project. Ms. Ushnish Tuladhar, a Research Associate at GIC, then introduced the pLitter solution. The following sessions focused on the technical aspects of the pLitter CCTV system, with Mr. Nguyen Cong Hau discussing the software and Mr. Pongpol Wipasuramonton covering the hardware components. Participants also enjoyed a live demonstration on setting up the camera timer, wiring arrangements, and installing the pLitter model on the AI-CCTV units. The day concluded with a discussion where participants provided feedback on the feasibility of applying this technology within their agencies, discussing limitations, suggestions for improvement, and recommendations for expanding its capabilities.
On the second day, the event began with a presentation on the PlasticFlow Mekong project’s website and social media. Dr. Boonma then explained how public data would be utilized to create plastic leakage maps. Following this, Mr. Thanaphol Boodchuang, a Research Associate at GIC, discussed ground surveys using a mobile app and demonstrated its use to the participants. They learned how to conduct ground surveys for identified plastic waste, and feedback on the app’s feasibility was shared, similar to the previous day’s discussions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from City Governor Mr. Leang Veasna and Dr. Tsukiji Makato, Project Manager of the Plastic Flow Mekong Project.
