Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable development, while calling for stronger international financing, technology transfer and capacity-building support to turn global biodiversity targets into tangible results.
The commitment was highlighted by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, as he delivered Cambodia’s national statement at the UN Biodiversity Conference Leaders’ Summit, held in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 16.
The minister expressed appreciation to the Government of Armenia for hosting the summit, themed “Leaders for Nature”, emphasising that protecting nature and the environment is fundamental to green growth, food security, economic prosperity and people’s livelihoods.
Cambodia’s efforts are guided by its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026–2030, which serves as a national roadmap to halt biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and their services, strengthen ecosystem resilience and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The strategy seeks to align national priorities with global environmental targets, while advancing inclusive and sustainable development, he explained.
As an active party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Cambodia has designated 39 per cent of its territory as protected areas, exceeding Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), according to his statement. The country has also expanded marine protected areas, among other achievements outlined in its Seventh National Report.
In support of its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Cambodia has launched the “Green Sprouts” campaign, which aims to plant at least five million trees annually through the free distribution of tree saplings and public participation.
However, the minister stressed that achieving these environmental goals requires adequate financial resources, access to technology and strengthened institutional and technical capacity.
He expressed Cambodia’s full support for the KM-GBF and its global biodiversity action plan, underscoring the importance of closing international funding gaps through clear financing mechanisms, effective resource mobilization and strong political commitment.
The minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to work with international partners and local stakeholders to implement its updated biodiversity strategy, address the continuing loss of biodiversity and advance the shared vision of living in harmony with nature.
He emphasised that sustained international cooperation, backed by adequate financing and capacity development, will be essential to translating these commitments into meaningful and lasting environmental outcomes.