Recommendations

Fair Finance Cambodia (FFC) has published a study focusing on the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) financing of COVID-19 post-pandemic economic recovery in Cambodia. Specifically, the study assesses the impact of infrastructure project (Road #23/312) which received ADB funding. The report also aims to identify policy gaps in Cambodia’s green and sustainable economies and to evaluate the disparities between policies and practices within relevant institutions.

The study made seven key recommendations for ADB and the government. Three recommend to conduct the Involuntary Resettlement Policy at the early stage of the project; promoting women’s economic empowerment; and enhance women’s access to financial assistance. The other four focus on developing consensus on common legal and technical terms and concepts on green economy and sustainable finance; strengthening institutions by integrating long-term institutional knowledge and skills; developing appropriate tools for environmental and social impact assessment; and addressing policymakers’ and practitioners’ limited knowledge and skills related to green economy and sustainable finance. 

According to the report, “The communities favor the road improvement projects and emphasize the three main points, 1). communities have accepted the impact assessment results; 2). communities have recognized the need for road improvement projects, particularly concerning the current infrastructure conditions in their communities; and 3). communities have identified several benefits that would result from the road improvement projects. These include improved access to schools, markets, hospitals, and farms, crucial for their daily activities and economic endeavors”. However, the communities also have voiced their concerns about the compensation schemes.
 

Check out the report here for more information.