National
• 50 minutes ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Environment Minister Calls for Collective Action to Protect Natural Resources and Boost Community Livelihoods
PHNOM PENH, August 10, 2026 – Minister of Environment Dr. Eang Sophalleth has called for greater cooperation and resource mobilization to improve the livelihoods of communities living in protected areas, urging both national and international partners to work together in safeguarding natural resources and ensuring sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day forum on "Financing for Ecosystems and Nature-Positive Agriculture" held in Phnom Penh on August 10-11, the minister emphasized the importance of treating local communities as the foundation of conservation efforts, likening them to the "home" and "nation" that must be protected.
Dr. Eang Sophalleth outlined the Ministry's key priorities under the Environmental Circular Strategy 2023-2028, which focuses on three core pillars: "Clean, Green, and Sustainable." He explained that "Clean" refers to water, land, and air quality, with a focus on waste management and regular quality monitoring. "Green" pertains to natural resource management and promoting green development. "Sustainable" ensures that all relevant sectors and sub-national authorities understand and participate actively in achieving long-term development goals.
The minister stressed that the forum provides a critical platform for all stakeholders to mobilize financing, promote nature-positive agriculture, and strengthen the livelihoods of local communities while improving ecosystem conservation.
The forum is organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with WWF-Cambodia, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and financial institutions to explore financing mechanisms for nature-positive agriculture and sustainable food systems at the landscape level. Through practical sessions, participants will learn how to use the platform, enhance collaboration, and identify concrete opportunities to mobilize funding for conservation and inclusive development in the Eastern Plains Landscape.
Janes Imanuel Ginting, Country Director of WWF-Cambodia, stated that the forum is a significant step toward aligning finance, policy, and partnerships for long-term conservation and development outcomes. "Through landscape financing, we can work together with the government, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, and communities to invest in landscapes that deliver lasting benefits for people, nature, and sustainable economic growth," he said.
— Sources: Ministry of Environment
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
Speaking at the opening of a two-day forum on "Financing for Ecosystems and Nature-Positive Agriculture" held in Phnom Penh on August 10-11, the minister emphasized the importance of treating local communities as the foundation of conservation efforts, likening them to the "home" and "nation" that must be protected.
Dr. Eang Sophalleth outlined the Ministry's key priorities under the Environmental Circular Strategy 2023-2028, which focuses on three core pillars: "Clean, Green, and Sustainable." He explained that "Clean" refers to water, land, and air quality, with a focus on waste management and regular quality monitoring. "Green" pertains to natural resource management and promoting green development. "Sustainable" ensures that all relevant sectors and sub-national authorities understand and participate actively in achieving long-term development goals.
The minister stressed that the forum provides a critical platform for all stakeholders to mobilize financing, promote nature-positive agriculture, and strengthen the livelihoods of local communities while improving ecosystem conservation.
The forum is organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with WWF-Cambodia, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and financial institutions to explore financing mechanisms for nature-positive agriculture and sustainable food systems at the landscape level. Through practical sessions, participants will learn how to use the platform, enhance collaboration, and identify concrete opportunities to mobilize funding for conservation and inclusive development in the Eastern Plains Landscape.
Janes Imanuel Ginting, Country Director of WWF-Cambodia, stated that the forum is a significant step toward aligning finance, policy, and partnerships for long-term conservation and development outcomes. "Through landscape financing, we can work together with the government, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, and communities to invest in landscapes that deliver lasting benefits for people, nature, and sustainable economic growth," he said.
— Sources: Ministry of Environment
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
