PHNOM PENH — The Australian and Cambodian governments have officially launched the Australia-Cambodia Partnership for Climate Resilience (ACP4Climate), a new bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening climate-resilient water governance and integrated water resource management in Cambodia.

According to a joint press release issued on May 21, 2026, the ACP4Climate program is designed to support inclusive and community-based water resource management across key river basins in Cambodia, including the Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, and Tonle Sap basins.

The statement noted that climate change is increasingly affecting Cambodia’s water systems, agriculture, livelihoods, and local communities, making water governance a critical component of efforts to improve resilience against floods, droughts, and changing climate conditions.

Through ACP4Climate, Australia will support Cambodia in strengthening water governance systems, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable and inclusive approaches to water resource management.

The program will also involve cooperation with government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to strengthen national and sub-national water planning, coordination, and climate-adaptive water management solutions.

Mr. Thor Chetha, Cambodia’s Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, said the Royal Government highly values its partnership with Australia in supporting Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable water resource management.

He stated that ACP4Climate would contribute to improving coordination, planning, and climate-resilient water governance systems to support Cambodia’s long-term development and the well-being of its population.

Meanwhile, Mr. Derek Yip Australian Ambassador to Cambodia  described Australia as a long-term development partner of Cambodia in supporting sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience-building.

He added that ACP4Climate represents “a new chapter” in bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening water governance, supporting vulnerable communities, and improving resilience to climate change impacts.

Commenting on the challenges faced by rural communities, Mr. Om Sophat Om Sophat, a resident of Chann Chum community in Kirivong District Kirivong district, Takeo Takeo province, said water shortages have forced many local residents to shift away from traditional rice farming toward alternative crops and livestock raising.

He explained that rice cultivation has become increasingly expensive due to rising irrigation costs and declining market prices for harvested rice. As a result, many farmers have turned to cultivating water spinach, lotus plants, and other crops that require less water and are more resilient to climate variability.

Mr. Om Sophat welcomed the ACP4Climate initiative jointly launched by the Australian government and Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, saying the program could help mitigate climate-related impacts on local communities, particularly small-scale farmers struggling with water insecurity and changing weather patterns.

Representatives from government ministries, development partners, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, private sector actors, and local communities also participated in the launch event to discuss priorities for climate-resilient water governance and opportunities for future cooperation.

Through ACP4Climate, the Australian and Cambodian governments reaffirmed their long-term partnership and shared commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate resilience in Cambodia through community-led approaches, collaboration, and inclusive climate action.