Cambodia

Cambodia is the subregion's smallest country, situated between Thailand to the west, Lao PDR to the north, and Viet Nam to the east. Much of its land area of 181,040 km2 is taken up by a shallow basin, centered on Tonle Sap Lake, and surrounded by the Cardamom and other mountains in the southwest.

Cambodia is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in species and ecosystem diversity. It has the world's highest proportion of undeveloped forest and wetlands and one of the least disturbed coastlines.

After decades of war, the country has made significant progress in both human and economic development since it rejoined the international community in 1991. Since 1993, growth has been relatively strong and a dynamic export industry has developed.

Cambodia remains a predominantly agricultural country, with a large proportion of its population relying on natural resources for their livelihood. Agriculture and forestry contribute to nearly 40% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Sustainable management of the country’s natural resources is an important strategic priority. However, with its emerging market economy and young regulatory frameworks, Cambodia faces a number of challenges to ensure economic growth does not overlook those in poverty, nor further threatens the natural resource base upon which it relies.

 CEP in Cambodia

Among CEP efforts to mainstream environmental management in Cambodia have been two rounds of environmental performance reporting, the establishment of two biodiversity conservation corridor pilot sites (Cardamom mountains and Eastern Plains), and a tourism sector strategic environmental assessment. Cambodia is also a focus country for CEP’s climate change mitigation and adaptation work.

Click here to learn more about these activities and other CEP work in Cambodia.

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