Phnom Penh:Cambodia's Ministry of Environment and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have pledged to enhance their strategic cooperation to improve natural resource management and bolster community resilience against climate impacts.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the collaborative agreement was underscored in a meeting between Cambodian Environment Minister H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth and outgoing FAO Representative to Cambodia Ms. Rebekah Bell at the ministry's headquarters. During the farewell meeting, Ms. Bell highlighted the achievements of the FAO-Cambodia partnership, focusing on efforts in climate change mitigation, forest restoration, and enhancing climate-resilient livelihoods for rural communities.

Ms. Bell also expressed her full support for Cambodia's Environmental Circular Strategy, commending its practical framework aimed at fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the country. In response, Minister H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth acknowledged FAO's crucial role as a strategic partner and highlighted pressing environmental challenges, such as plastic waste pollution, climate volatility, and risks associated with the upcoming El Niño phenomenon.

To address these issues, the Minister emphasized the need for mobilizing international resources and advanced technologies to protect ecosystems and improve community livelihoods. He proposed establishing a multi-stakeholder forum that would include government bodies, the private sector, and national and international partners to develop joint response strategies for climate-induced disasters.

As immediate preventive measures, the Ministry of Environment is enforcing strict regulations and providing operational guidelines to local authorities and communities. Initiatives include increased vigilance against forest fires due to global warming and El Niño, along with active preservation of natural water reservoirs in protected areas to secure water supply for local wildlife.