ADB Commits to Boosting Investment in Cambodia’s Irrigation & Climate Resilience

• 28 October 2023
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding investment in Cambodia’s irrigation and climate resilience efforts. This vital commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting held on 26 October 2023, between Cambodia’s Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, HE Thor Chetha, and Lok Chumteav Lyotsana Varma, Director General of the Asian Development Bank in Cambodia.

In the meeting, Minister Thor Chetha made a compelling case for ADB to increase its financial support for water resources management and meteorological advancements. Cambodia, like many nations, faces the imminent threats of climate change and natural disasters. Robust investment in these areas is seen as pivotal in safeguarding the nation’s environment and economy.

Minister Chetha emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with ADB to revamp Cambodia’s long-term investment plan in water resources and meteorology, spanning from 2024 to 2039. The primary aim is to mitigate flood risks, reduce drought impacts, and foster a more sustainable green environment that complements Cambodia’s burgeoning ecotourism sector.

In response, Director General Jyotsana Varma pledged to bolster ADB’s investments in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. These investments will extend to the critical area of irrigation system maintenance (O&M), pivotal in supporting Cambodia’s ongoing economic development.

ADB has a commendable track record of investing in Cambodia’s infrastructure management for water resources and meteorology, ranging from medium to large-scale projects. Notably, two ongoing projects – the Agricultural Irrigation Improvement Project (IAIP) – have been spearheading modernization efforts.

Looking forward, ADB is actively exploring two more projects: the Integrated Water Resources Management Project (IWRM) and the Resilient and Sustainable Irrigation and Agriculture Project (CAISAR). These initiatives, once realized, will further fortify Cambodia’s climate resilience and irrigation capabilities.

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