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Story 17 Jan, 2025

Cambodia’s Environmental Protection Strategic Plan 2024-2028: A Step Toward Sustainability

On 29 November 2024, the Cambodia-Mekong Delta Aquifer (CMDA) project, through funding provided by IUCN from GEF, sponsored a national consultation workshop in Phnom Penh to finalise Cambodia’s Environmental Protection Strategic Plan (EPSP) 2024-2028. This one-day workshop was a significant step in addressing key environmental challenges, including waste management, ecosystem degradation, and climate change, while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Cambodia faces complex environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, threatening economic growth and sustainable development. In response, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has developed the Environmental Protection Strategic Plan (EPSP) 2024-2028 as part of its broader Environmental Circular Strategy 2023-2028. This strategic plan aligns with national priorities to enhance environmental quality, strengthen legal frameworks, and build institutional capacity to address pressing environmental challenges.

The consultation workshop provided an opportunity for participants to provide feedback on the strategic plan’s framework and discuss approaches for improving its implementation. Representatives from various levels of government and development partners emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the plan's success. The event highlighted measures to advance environmental protection and foster partnerships for sustainable development.

As part of its support, IUCN shared insights from the CMDA project, focusing on improving governance and promoting sustainable management of the Mekong River Delta Transboundary Aquifer. Discussions included key issues related to groundwater management in Cambodia, focusing on challenges such as water quality and resource monitoring. The CMDA project’s contributions underscored the value of building capacity and enhancing transboundary cooperation between Cambodia and Viet Nam.

The workshop concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to refine and implement the EPSP 2024-2028. This event, supported by the CMDA project, reaffirmed Cambodia’s dedication to achieving a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future through comprehensive and inclusive environmental strategies.