Cambodia Investment Review
The Australian Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia have officially launched the Australia-Cambodia Partnership for Climate Resilience (ACP4Climate), a new flagship initiative aimed at strengthening climate-resilient water governance and integrated water resource management across Cambodia.
The program comes as Cambodia faces growing pressure from climate change, including increasing risks linked to floods, droughts, changing rainfall patterns, and pressure on agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
Under ACP4Climate, Australia will work with Cambodia to improve water governance systems, strengthen climate resilience, and support inclusive and community-based approaches to water management across major river basins, including the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, and Tonle Sap Basin.
Improve Resilience Against Climate-Related Challenges
The initiative will involve cooperation between government institutions, civil society organisations, academic institutions, private sector partners, and local communities to improve national and subnational water planning, strengthen coordination, and promote climate-resilient water management solutions.
Thor Chetha said the partnership would support Cambodia’s long-term development objectives while helping improve resilience against climate-related challenges.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia values its partnership with Australia in supporting Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable water resource management,” he said.
“ACP4Climate will help strengthen coordination, planning, and climate-resilient water governance to support Cambodia’s long-term development and the well-being of its people.”
Climate Risks Increasing Across Cambodia
Cambodia remains highly exposed to climate-related disruptions, particularly within agriculture and water-dependent sectors that play a major role in the country’s economy and employment.
According to development agencies and climate experts, changing weather patterns and water insecurity continue to pose risks to food production, hydropower management, fisheries, and rural livelihoods, particularly around the Mekong River system and Tonle Sap Lake.
The launch of ACP4Climate reflects increasing international focus on climate adaptation and resilience-building in Southeast Asia, especially in lower Mekong economies vulnerable to environmental and water-related shocks.
Derek Yip said the initiative represented a new phase in Australia’s long-standing development partnership with Cambodia.
“Australia has been a longstanding partner to Cambodia in supporting sustainable development, economic growth and resilience,” he said.
“ACP4Climate represents the next chapter in this partnership, helping strengthen water governance, support vulnerable communities and build resilience to climate change.”
Public and Private Sector Stakeholders Involved
Representatives from Cambodian government ministries, development partners, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders, and community-based organisations attended the launch event to discuss priorities for climate-resilient water governance and opportunities for collaboration.
Australian and Cambodian officials said the initiative would prioritise locally led approaches and inclusive climate action while supporting long-term sustainable development goals.
The ACP4Climate program also aligns with broader regional discussions surrounding water security, climate resilience, and sustainable management of the Mekong River system, which remains economically and strategically important for countries across mainland Southeast Asia.
