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Natural resources

Reinforcing Bilateral Cooperation on Environmental Conservation in Cambodia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a bid to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth and UNESCO country representative Sardar Umar Alam met on Monday, July 28, to discuss initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources and cultural heritage in Cambodia. The meeting focused on key projects such as the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) project, which seeks to enhance the sustainability of shared groundwater resources between Cambodia and Vietnam in the Mekong River Delta region. The project, implemented jointly with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and partners including FAO, IUCN, and UNESCO, aims to assess groundwater reserves and develop effective management strategies for the transboundary aquifer system. Meanwhile, the environment ministry proposed several new initiatives, including the establishment of new biosphere reserves and geoparks, and the designation of Koh Sralau as Cambodia's first plastic-free and carbon-neutral island.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) project aims to enhance the sustainability of shared groundwater resources between Cambodia and Vietnam in the Mekong River Delta region.
  • The project is jointly implemented with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and partners including FAO, IUCN, and UNESCO.
  • UNESCO is collaborating with IUCN and MERFI to assess groundwater reserves and analyse ecosystems that depend on these underground water sources, particularly in wetland areas.
  • The two sides also discussed the National Beekeeping Strategy, which aims to boost honey production and improve community livelihoods, especially in protected areas.
  • Sophalleth proposed the establishment of new biosphere reserves and geoparks, and the designation of Koh Sralau as Cambodia's first plastic-free and carbon-neutral island.
  • The environment ministry is preparing to map and monitor the rate of groundwater depletion to secure long-term water sustainability, with the collaboration with UNESCO accelerating the implementation of the project.

Statistics:

  • The CMDA project aims to assess groundwater reserves and develop effective management strategies for the transboundary aquifer system.
  • The project is being implemented jointly with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and partners including FAO, IUCN, and UNESCO.
  • The environment ministry is preparing to map and monitor the rate of groundwater depletion to secure long-term water sustainability.
  • The National Beekeeping Strategy aims to boost honey production and improve community livelihoods, especially in protected areas.

Sources:

  • "Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth and UNESCO country representative Sardar Umar Alam met on Monday, July 28..." - Ministry of Environment's website.
  • "The Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) project, which aims to enhance the sustainability of shared groundwater resources between Cambodia and Vietnam in the Mekong River Delta region." - Global Environment Facility (GEF) website.
  • "The project is being jointly implemented with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and partners including FAO, IUCN, and UNESCO." - FAO website.
  • "UNESCO is collaborating with IUCN and MERFI to assess groundwater reserves and analyse ecosystems that depend on these underground water sources, particularly in wetland areas." - UNESCO website.
  • "The environment ministry proposed several new initiatives, including the establishment of new biosphere reserves and geoparks, and the designation of Koh Sralau as Cambodia's first plastic-free and carbon-neutral island." - Ministry of Environment's website.
  • "Alongside the Ministry, UNESCO's work focuses on conserving the Tonle Sap region and ensuring long-term safety and sustainable livelihoods for local communities..." - Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya's statement on July 29.

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