The Project aims to increase the social, economic, and ecosystem resilience of target communities. It focuses on healthy coastal mangrove ecosystems as a fundamental element of the 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 the 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. Our 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.

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 project's expected results are assured to enhance climate change resilience and strengthen ecosystems and biodiversity while safeguarding the invaluable mangrove forests. 

This initiative is designed to elevate economic prosperity and 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.

About the project

The Ministry of Environment (MOE) of Cambodia, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are currently implementing a project entitled "Building Resilience of Cambodian Communities Using Natural Infrastructure and Promoting Diversified Livelihoods" in Prey Nob district, Preach Sihanouk province. The project will analyze gendered response options for vulnerability reduction and increased resilience and suggest ways to enhance coordination and alignment with national and regional initiatives for coastal resilience and ecosystem preservation and mainstreaming of the natural infrastructure approaches. In addition, the project will aim to using these approaches to increase the social, economic, and ecosystem resilience of target communities, with a special focuscoastal mangrove ecosystems as a on the healthy ment of the fundamental element of resilience of people and ecosystems.

For more information, please contact Seyla Sok (seylasok@gmail.com) or visit the dedicated page on iwlearn.net.

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