Oxfam Launch New Climate Resilience Project

Oxfam, in collaboration with a consortium of nine organizations, is pleased to announce the launch of a significant project called "Climate Resilience for All" (CREFA) on April 1, 2024, in Siem Reap province. With generous financial support from the Embassy of Ireland, the project aims to address the vulnerability of Cambodians to climate change through activities that enhance mitigation and adaptation capabilities. 

The project will engage both the government and private sectors, focusing on policy dialogue, building local capacities, and promoting sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project places significant emphasis on inclusivity, with a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) analysis, providing valuable insights to guide all project activities.

Ms. Phean Sophoan, National Director of Oxfam in Cambodia said, “Aligned with the priorities of the Irish government and the plans of the Royal Government of Cambodia, CREFA contributes to gender equality, climate action, governance, carbon neutrality, circular strategies, national development plans, climate change strategic plans, policies on green growth, and international commitments. These alignments highlight the significance of CREFA in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Cambodia.”

The project launching workshop will prioritize information sharing, guidance, and participatory engagement. It will bring together project partners, key stakeholders, experts, and representatives from Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam.

Seán Farrell, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, said, “Supporting Climate programmes is an integral part of Ireland’s development strategy. Ireland has committed to doubling our climate finance globally to at least €225 million per year by 2025. Climate change affects everyone, but not equally. The poorest people in the world face the worst impacts. Ireland believes in supporting the most vulnerable people to meet the challenges posed by climate change and we are delighted to be launching this programme with Oxfam and all of the local organisations here today as part of our commitment to Climate, to Cambodia and to those most affected.”

The nine consortium partners include Cambodia Microfinance Association, Development and Partnership in Action, Farmer Livelihood Development, Human Resource and Rural Economic Development Organization, Live & Learn Cambodia, Solar Green Energy Cambodia, and Village Support Group, as well as government bodies including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at the national level. Provincial, district, commune, community forestry, and community protected areas in the provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddor Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Preah Vihear are involved in the project.

Cambodia is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. In recent years, the country has experienced more frequent and severe floods, droughts and windstorms. These natural disasters have presented serious challenges to socio-economic development and affected many rural and urban poor communities making them more vulnerable. Oxfam has supported the development of the country for over four decades. We remain our commitment to empowering Cambodians, especially women, youth and other marginalized groups by enhancing their resilience and capacities to cope with these challenges. 

H.E. Ngin Lina, Secretary of State and Chair of Gender Mainstreaming Working Group of Ministry of Environment, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the 'Climate Resilience for All' (CREFA) project, a fruitful collaboration between Oxfam, a consortium of nine esteemed organizations, and with gracious support from the Embassy of Ireland. She emphasized that ministry of environment had launched Circular strategy on environment 2023-2028, which provide an orientation and direction goals of specific framework to ensure environmental sustainability and perfection response to climate change, promote  green economy and to achieve target goals of pentagon strategy for carbon neutrality and forest cover for 60% in 2050 The Ministry of Environment is honored to provide cooperation and collaboration support to ensure the successful implementation of this project. She hopes that CREFA will be part of implementation support to this circular strategy. Especially, to promote gender equity, basic economy for people in protected areas and sustainable of living. By engaging partnership with relevant ministries, private sector, and promoting sustainable development, CREFA underscores the importance of inclusivity and gender equality, signifying a significant stride towards climate action and sustainable development in Cambodia."

Mr. Mam Sambath, Executive Director of Development and Partnership in Action, one of the project partners, said, “I am truly honored to be a part of the 'Climate Resilience for All' (CREFA) project as an implementing partner in Preah Vihear province. Through the collective efforts of the CREFA project, we will empower community forestry and protected areas, strengthen local capacities, and forge a resilient future for all Cambodians. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Oxfam, the Embassy of Ireland, as well as the ministries and sub-national and commune authorities for their unwavering commitment and support in this transformative endeavor."

Photos: Kimheang Tuon/Oxfam