Cambodia Government Gains Support to Enhance Resilience and Diversify Livelihoods in Coastal Communities

National and local partners of the Natural Infrastructure (NI) project participated in National Inception Workshop in Phnom Penh City last January 2024 to discuss methodology and framework of the project. 

 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Officials from the Ministry of Environment (MOE) of Cambodia and the Preah Sihanouk province as well as other key partners from the national to local levels convened on January 23, 2023 for a joint planning session to discuss strategies and ways on the implementation of the Natural Infrastructure (NI) approaches in the Building Resilience of Cambodian Communities and Promoting Diversified Livelihood project.

 

The Project aims to increase social, economic and ecosystem resilience of target communities, with special focus on the healthy coastal mangrove ecosystems as a fundamental element of resilience of people and ecosystems in Preah Sihanouk province’s Prey Nob district. The project is implemented by the General Directorate of Policy and Strategy (GDPS) of MoE, in cooperation with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

 

Prek Kampong Smach, a waterway extending 10 kilometers in Preah Sihanouk's Prey Nop district, confronts ecological difficulties such as deforestation, flooding, unauthorized fishing, and improper waste disposal. The 5,848-hectare area, encompassing mangrove forests and fisheries along the stream, is at risk due to encroachment. The initiative is dedicated to tackling these challenges by advocating for sustainable practices and fostering cooperation to ensure the enduring well-being and resilience of the vital mangrove ecosystems along Prek Kampong Smach.  

 

His Excellency Meas Sophal, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment Cambodia.

 

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Meas Sophal, Undersecretary of State for MoE, emphasized that the implementation of this project will undeniably contribute to the sustainable development of Preah Sihanouk province, which will be transformed into a multi-purpose special economic zone. Further, the expected results of the Project is assured to enhance the climate change resilience as well as strengthen ecosystems and biodiversity, while safeguarding the invaluable mangrove forests.

 

This initiative is designed not only to elevate economic prosperity but also to foster social progress and environmental sustainability in Cambodia. It aligns with the collective vision of the Cambodian Government to transform the country into a high-middle-income country by 2030, and ultimately achieve the status of a high-income country by 2050.   
 

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About the Ministry of Environment  
The Ministry of Environment, Cambodia (MoE) was established in 1993 and was assigned by the Royal Government to lead and manage the environmental sector of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

To know more about MoE: Facebook Page | https://www.moe.gov.kh/en

For media inquiry:  
Mr. Sok Seyla  
National Project Coordinator  
seylasok@gmail.com

KY Channimol  
Policy Coordination Office   
GDPS, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia  
kychannimol@gmail.com