Phnom penh: The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM), in collaboration with the Australian Government, organized a national consultation workshop to advance the Cambodia Climate Resilience Water Governance Programme (CCRWGP). This initiative seeks to establish a coordinated and climate-responsive framework for managing Cambodia’s water resources.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the workshop, held on July 17 in Phnom Penh, gathered over 170 participants, including representatives from government ministries, development partners, civil society, research institutions, and the private sector. The event marked a significant step in developing a roadmap for water governance that aligns with national development priorities and addresses climate change impacts.

H.E. Mr Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, highlighted the critical need for sustainable and equitable water resource management. He stated that the CCRWGP aims to create a comprehensive framework to guide water governance and integrate inclusive planning to address climate risks.

The CCRWGP supports Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, aiming for upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050. The program addresses governance gaps caused by rising water demand, changing rainfall patterns, and frequent floods and droughts, aligning with both existing and future initiatives.

H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, noted that the CCRWGP aligns with Australia’s development priorities, promoting institutional reform and local leadership through inclusive partnerships. He affirmed Australia’s commitment to support Cambodia in leading water governance initiatives.

The strategic roadmap developed includes modernizing water legislation, enhancing capacity, improving data systems and risk management, and piloting integrated learning approaches. The workshop consolidated feedback on the program design, with stakeholders endorsing the roadmap and recommending enhancements in inter-ministerial coordination and policy reforms.

The consultation underscores a shared commitment to inclusive policymaking. MoWRAM will integrate the feedback received into the final program design, with Phase I expected to commence later this year. Cambodia’s proactive approach to water governance amid the climate crisis is pivotal for sustainable development.