Cambodia Enhances River Basin Management Capacity Through Training

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology of Cambodia hosted a training session on September 25, 2026, in Kampong Thom province, aimed at strengthening river basin management capabilities. The training, titled "Strengthening the Capacity of River Basin Management Committee Officials in Developing River and River Basin Management Plans," was presided over by Dr. Aun Chantha, Undersecretary of State and Head of the Secretariat of the National Committee for River Basin Management. The event was attended by H.E. Ouk Vuthy, Deputy Governor of Kampong Thom Provincial Administration, as well as representatives from various provincial departments, units, and numerous local authorities. The objective of this training is to enhance the capacity of sub-national level officials in developing river and river basin management plans to promote equitable, efficient, and sustainable use of water resources in response to climate change and socio-economic development. Dr. Aun Chantha instructed local authorities and relevant ministries and departments to strictly adhere to existing legal provisions and continuously strengthen their capacity in developing river basin management plans to ensure the highest effectiveness in water resource management and sustainable development in the region. He further urged the Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology and local authorities to regularly monitor weather conditions, including rainfall, river flow, and water levels in the province's rivers. He also emphasized the importance of timely and proper management of water gate operations to prevent and minimize the risks of natural disasters to the greatest extent possible. This initiative represents a crucial step in enhancing sustainable water resource management and climate change adaptation capacity in Cambodia. Stable water resource provision is fundamental for economic development, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on rainfall such as agriculture, as well as in hydropower and infrastructure development. The training aims to build a more effective management system through the improvement of expertise at the local level.