Cambodia's Coastal Communities Strengthen Climate Resilience Through Mangrove Conservation

Forty-one coastal communities in Cambodia are strengthening their resilience to climate change through enhanced mangrove forest conservation. This initiative aims to protect the vital mangrove ecosystems and stabilize the livelihoods of local residents who depend on them. Mangrove forests are considered the lifeline of Cambodia's coastal areas, providing crucial habitats for fish, crabs, and other marine biodiversity. They also play a significant role in protecting coastlines from erosion, sequestering carbon, and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families living along the coast. According to information from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the CamAdapt project is being implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment. This project is carried out in collaboration with the General Directorate of Fisheries (GDF) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), with technical support from FAO Cambodia and funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project targets coastal communities in the provinces of Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, and Kep. It is expected to benefit over 101,000 people, with women constituting half of the total beneficiaries. The CamAdapt project supports the protection of a 50,000-hectare mangrove ecosystem. To date, 3,000 mangrove trees have been planted, and 10.53 hectares of mangrove forest have been restored in the Ramsar Site of Koh Kapi in Koh Kong province. On the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, FAO congratulates the communities for their efforts in protecting Cambodia's mangrove forests and building a resilient future for its people and nature.