By:
• Rin Ousa

• September 11, 2024 , 7:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – A multi-pronged strategy is being pushed to tackle challenges to the rich biodiversity and ecosystems of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

The approach, known as climate-smart landscapes, was advanced at the Sixth Greater Mekong Subregion Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM-6), hosted by Cambodia.

“Climate-smart landscapes aim to combine sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, ecosystem conservation and restoration, and social-economic benefits through integrated management,” conservationist Andrew Wyatt said.

Wyatt, deputy head for the Lower Mekong Sub-Region for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, highlighted the importance and challenges of implementing climate-smart landscapes. 

He was speaking on September 10 at an international workshop on Climate Actions and Environmental Sustainability in the GMS. The event involved diverse groups including government officials and NGOs across multiple sessions.

A session on promoting climate-smart landscapes was held to examine critical challenges and address key issues affecting sustainable development. 

Wyatt said nature-based solutions were being promoted but investments in climate-smart landscapes remained small compared to those in the agriculture and energy sectors. 

Chheang Dany, deputy director-general from the Forestry Administration spoke of the need to learn from and invest in nature to achieve climate-smart landscapes.

“This requires multi-stakeholder involvement, not just government action, to promote smart agriculture, agroforestry, and tree planting to enhance sustainability and resilience,” Dany said. 

“Forest ecosystems are vital for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the Mekong region, where millions rely on forests for livelihoods and economic growth.” 

The panel discussion also offered key recommendations, including initial assessments, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and the implementation of specific climate-smart strategies.

The GMS Environment Program (2006-2025), now in its third phase, has helped integrate environmental considerations into economic growth. 

Phases I and II focused on strategic support, while Phase III now targets climate resilience, low-carbon transitions, and pollution control under the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Program. 

Cambodia aims to adopt key documents on preventing plastic pollution , climate action and environmental sustainability.