The project entitled “Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” (SCS SAP Project), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with UNOPS, supports six countries in the region—Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—in achieving the coastal and marine environment targets of the SAP.     

Cambodia is actively embarking on the mission to restore critical coastal and marine habitats. The country's vision, "Equitable economic prosperity and improved quality of life through sustainable use, protection and management," is guiding the work.

Under the SCS SAP Project workplan, Cambodia aims to significantly expand its total mangrove area under effective and sustainable management from 22,420 to 72,320 hectares. This includes developing and implementing management plans for critical sites such as Ream National Park mangrove forest and Pream Krasoab wildlife sanctuary. The project also targets replanting 2,500 hectares of deforested mangrove land to boost biodiversity. The project also seeks to expand managed areas and enhance management effectiveness across priority sites, targeting 1,970 hectares of coral reef and 2,263 hectares of seagrass.

Similarly, a comprehensive management plan is being adopted and implemented for the Koh Kapik Ramsar estuary, a vital coastal wetland. At the project site, efforts focus on strengthening community participation, improving management planning, and documenting the ecological significance of the wetland. Local authorities, community protected areas, and national agencies are collaborating to prepare the technical requirements for Ramsar nomination, including biodiversity surveys, zoning, and stakeholder consultations. These steps not only aim to secure global recognition but also ensure that the wetland will benefit from stronger legal protection and sustainable management for generations to come.

Empowering communities for conservation

A key strength of the SCS SAP implementation in Cambodia lies in its robust inter-agency coordination, consistent leadership, and alignment with existing national policies, such as the National Strategic Plan on Marine and Coastal Resources Management. This integration ensures government buy-in but also facilitates the timely and effective execution of activities. The Ministry of Environment leads the project, working closely with subnational authorities, local communities, NGOs, and research institutions – partnerships vital for effective implementation and regional framework alignment.

In partnership with the government, the SCS SAP Project implementation in Cambodia directly engages local communities, fostering a sense of ownership that ensures restoration efforts are sustainable and meaningful.

At the project site in Koh Kapik Ramsar estuary, a vital coastal wetland, efforts focus on strengthening community participation, improving management planning, and documenting the ecological significance of the wetland. Local authorities, community protected areas, and national agencies are collaborating to prepare the technical requirements for Ramsar nomination, including biodiversity surveys, zoning, and stakeholder consultations. These steps not only aim to secure global recognition but also ensure that the wetland will benefit from stronger legal protection and sustainable management for generations to come.

On 23 April 2025, a mangrove planting event in Prey Nob District, organized by the SCS SAP Project, brought together 50 participants—including local authorities, government representatives, and community members—to plant 12,000 mangrove seedlings across a 5-hectare area. The deliberate inclusion of young people and women promoted intergenerational learning and gender-inclusive conservation. Through their active participation, community members are directly contributing to ecosystem restoration and enhancing their own resilience against coastal impacts.

“It’s inspiring to see young people joining. This shows that the next generation is ready to protect our coast.”

— Mr. Rithy Sann, Village Chief, Champu Khmao

“This is not just planting trees, it’s about planting hope for our future. The community must take care of these mangroves together”.

- Ms. Chantha Meas,Officer from the Provincial Department of Environment

While the project is making good progress in Cambodia, technical capacity and access to data remain to be strengthened at the local level. To overcome this, the SCS SAP project has provided targeted training, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building workshops to local stakeholders, including community fisheries (CFis) and Community Protected Areas (CPAs). Efforts have also been made to strengthen data collection through field surveys and to integrate local knowledge to fill data gaps.

A collective vision for a healthier large marine ecosystem

The Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the South China Sea is providing a structured, science-based framework to address key environmental threats. This collaboration is driven by strong partnerships and direct community engagement, which are proving to be crucial for its success.

At the third meeting of the SCS SAP Steering Committee held early this year, Mr. Meas Rithy, Deputy Director of Cambodia’s Department of Coastal and Marine Environment, and the country's National Focal Point representative, highlighted the country's progress, noting that mangrove restoration efforts have expanded and site-specific management plans have been developed in the country. Echoing the Project Steering Committee’s advocacy, he emphasized the urgency and shared responsibility of sustainably managing the vital marine resources of the South China Sea.

“The region, rich in biodiversity and critical habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal wetlands, supports the food security, livelihoods, and economic development of millions throughout the region” - Mr. Meas Rithy, Deputy Director, Cambodia Department of Coastal and Marine Environment.

As active participants in the SCS SAP, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are collaboratively working with governments partners and local communities to safeguard their coastal ecosystems and contribute to the broader restoration and conservation of the region's large marine ecosystems. This collective effort will secure the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources and strengthen their voice in national and regional environmental governance.

About the SCS SAP Implementation Project

Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) are productive ocean areas near continents, crucial for both the environment and coastal economies. Because LMEs face threats like pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing, they require transboundary cooperation. The "Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand" (GEF/UNEP/UNOPS SCS SAP Project) addresses these challenges in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand LMEs. Funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP, the project unites six countries to promote sustainable management. With UNOPS support, the SCS SAP Project helps these countries achieve the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) goals through regional and national actions. This aims to maintain healthy, productive, and resilient LMEs.