Oxfam, together with a consortium of nine organizations, launched the “Climate Resilience for All” (CREFA) project on April 1, 2024, in Siem Reap province wit financial support from the Embassy of Ireland. The project aims to address climate change vulnerabilities in Cambodia by enhancing mitigation and adaptation capabilities.

The project engages both the government and private sectors, focusing on policy dialogue, capacities building, and sustainable development aligned with the SDGs. The project places significant emphasis on inclusivity, with a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) analysis, guiding project activities.

Ms. Sophoan Phean, Oxfam National Director highlighted CREFA’s alignment with Irish and Cambodia priorities, contributing to gender equality, climate action, governance, carbon neutrality, circular strategies, national development plans, climate change strategic plans, policies on green growth, and international commitments. This emphasizes CREFA’s significance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Cambodia.

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

Mr. 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. The project also involve provincial, district, commune, community forestry, and community protected areas in the five targeted provinces, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddor Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Preah Vihear.

Cambodia is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, experiencing more frequent and severe floods, droughts and windstorms in recent year. These natural disasters have posed serious challenges to socio-economic development and affected many rural and urban poor communities. Oxfam, with over four decades of support in Cambodia, is committed to empowering Cambodians, especially women, youth and other marginalized groups by enhancing their resilience and capacities to cope with these challenges.

H.E. Lina Ngin, Secretary of State and Chair of Gender Mainstreaming Working Group of Ministry of Environment, expressed her delight in announcing the launch of CREFA. She highlighted the Ministry’s circular strategy on environment for 2023-2028 aiming to ensure environmental sustainability, respond to climate change, promote a green economy and achieve the carbon neutrality and forest cover goals for 60% in 2050. The Ministry is committed to provide cooperation and collaboration to support the successful implementation of the project, particularly in promoting gender equity and sustainable livelihoods in protected areas. The collaboration with relevant ministries, private sector underscores the importance of inclusivity, gender equality, climate action and sustainable development in Cambodia.”

Mr. Sambath Mam, Executive Director of Development and Partnership in Action, expressed his honor in being part of CREFA as an implementing partner in Preah Vihear province. “Through collective efforts, the project will empower community forestry and protected areas, strengthen local capacities, and build resilience for Cambodians. My gratitude to Oxfam, the Embassy of Ireland, as well as the ministries and sub-national and commune authorities for their commitment and support in this transformative endeavor,” he said.