Background

Cambodia is ranked as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in Southeast Asia. The Climate Risk Index (CRI) ranks countries most affected by climate change from 1996 to 2015 based on extreme weather events. Cambodia ranked 14 out of 181 countries in Climate Risk Index for the period 2000-2019, and 84 in 2019 with losses in million US$ (Purchasing Power Parity) ranking at 97 and losses per unit GDP in percentage ranking at 86th.

The coastal zones are among the most affected in the country. The coastal provinces of Cambodia face imminent threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion. These regions are home to vulnerable communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, all of which are directly impacted by climate change.

Kampot Province features a mix of coastal plains and rolling hills, while Koh Kong Province is characterized by lush rainforests and river deltas. These distinct landscapes influence local climate patterns and vulnerabilities. Kampot’s proximity to the Gulf of Thailand results in a maritime tropical climate with higher humidity, while Koh Kong experiences a monsoonal climate due to its location along the southwestern coastline. These diverse climates contribute to differences in climate change impacts, from agricultural challenges in Kampot to coastal erosion in Koh Kong. The focus on Kampot and Koh Kong Provinces is vital due to their distinct geography and ecosystems. Kampot is known for its coastal lowlands and agricultural activities, while Koh Kong boasts pristine rainforests and coastal ecosystems. Examining climate change impacts in these provinces provides valuable insights into localized challenges and solutions.

Objectives

The overall objective of the project is to support climate resilient and adaptive development and increase the capacity for climate variability/change adaptation of target communities living in Kampot and Koh Kong Provinces. This project is organized under three strategic components:

Component 1: Increasing coping capacity by promoting climate-resilient small-scale infrastructure.

Component 2: Adapting to current impacts of climate change through the recovery of coastal ecosystems and livelihood improvement and diversification.

Component 3: Building capacity and knowledge sharing to reduce vulnerability to climate change.

Donors and Key Project Stakeholders

Donor:

Adaptation Fund

Key Project Stakeholders:

National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD), Ministry of Environment (MoE)

Relevant Links

News: A New Project Launched to Increase Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Cambodia

Press Release by the National Council for Sustainable Development, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia