Environment and Energy

Cambodia’s environment is increasingly under pressure from a number of sources, including rapid development and the impacts of climate change. UNDP works to strengthen national and local capacities in environmental and natural resources management, responses to climate change, and access to energy services for the poor.

UNDP works with the Royal Government of Cambodia to strengthen policy, legislative and regulatory mechanisms on biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, responses to climate change impacts including adaptation and mitigation and promoting clean and renewable sources of energy.

A major focus for 2010 and beyond is assisting the Government to respond to the threats posed by climate change. Cambodia is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in Asia, putting agriculture, water supplies, ecosystems and human health at particularly high risk. The lack of access to modern clean energy in rural areas is a barrier to livelihood development and the induced dependency on wood energy is a major driver for deforestation.To address these challenges, the Government and donors formed an alliance in early 2010 with UNDP support to help Cambodia fight and adapt to climate change.

UNDP also supports Cambodia to mobilize funds from the Global Environment Facility to address critical threats such as biodiversity loss, climate change and ozone depletion. On behalf of this partnership, UNDP manages the GEF Small Grants Programme.