Cambodia’s coastal landscape is a mosaic of vital ecosystems: mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and wetlands. These habitats are the lifeblood of the region, providing food security and livelihoods for millions; protecting them is central to the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Large Marine Ecosystems (LME).
The project entitled “Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” (SCS SAP Project), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with UNOPS, supports six countries in the region—Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—in achieving the coastal and marine environment targets of the SAP.
Cambodia is actively embarking on the mission to restore critical coastal and marine habitats. The country's vision, "Equitable economic prosperity and improved quality of life through sustainable use, protection and management," is guiding the work.
Under the SCS SAP Project workplan, Cambodia aims to significantly expand its total mangrove area under effective and sustainable management from 22,420 to 72,320 hectares. This includes developing and implementing management plans for critical sites such as Ream National Park mangrove forest and Pream Krasoab wildlife sanctuary. The project also targets replanting 2,500 hectares of deforested mangrove land to boost biodiversity. The project also seeks to expand managed areas and enhance management effectiveness across priority sites, targeting 1,970 hectares of coral reef and 2,263 hectares of seagrass.
Similarly, a comprehensive management plan is being adopted and implemented for the Koh Kapik Ramsar estuary, a vital coastal wetland. At the project site, efforts focus on strengthening community participation, improving management planning, and documenting the ecological significance of the wetland. Local authorities, community protected areas, and national agencies are collaborating to prepare the technical requirements for Ramsar nomination, including biodiversity surveys, zoning, and stakeholder consultations. These steps not only aim to secure global recognition but also ensure that the wetland will benefit from stronger legal protection and sustainable management for generations to come.
Empowering communities for conservation
A key strength of the SCS SAP implementation in Cambodia lies in its robust inter-agency coordination, consistent leadership, and alignment with existing national policies, such as the National Strategic Plan on Marine and Coastal Resources Management. This integration ensures government buy-in but also facilitates the timely and effective execution of activities. The Ministry of Environment leads the project, working closely with subnational authorities, local communities, NGOs, and research institutions – partnerships vital for effective implementation and regional framework alignment.
