Phnom penh: The Ministry of Environment and The Asia Foundation have signed an agreement to develop Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) procedures, with support from Australian Aid, aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of environmental impact assessment implementation in Cambodia.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Letter of Agreement on the Formulation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment Procedure Sub-Decree and Institutional Capacity Development for Cambodia was signed by H.E. Chuob Paris, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment, and Ms. Meloney C. Lindberg, Representative of The Asia Foundation in Cambodia.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment; H.E. Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia; and representatives from relevant ministries, institutions, and development partners. The initiative aligns with Cambodia's Environmental Chakra Strategy, which emphasizes integrating ecological protection directly into national policy and development planning.
The Ministry of Environment states that the agreement will lead to the preparation of a Sub-Decree on Procedures for Strategic Environmental Assessments, serving as a legal foundation and operational guideline for SEA implementation in Cambodia. The Sub-Decree aims to promote sustainable and inclusive development, particularly within the Mekong region.
The Sub-Decree on SEA Procedures is expected to play a crucial role in systematically integrating environmental considerations into policy formulation, development planning, and sectoral programmes.