Agriculture ministry undersecretary of state Chan Saruth addresses the forum. Supplied
Cambodia joined global leaders and experts in Bangkok, Thailand for the inaugural International Soil and Water Forum 2024, which concluded with a groundbreaking action plan to combat soil degradation and water scarcity.
Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the event ran from December 9-11 and addressed some of the most critical environmental and agricultural challenges of the modern era, according to a December 11 joint press release.
Cambodia’s delegation, led by Chan Saruth, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Khieu Borin, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, actively participated in the discussions. The forum’s agenda included ministerial dialogues, thematic sessions and a technology fair showcasing innovative practices in soil and water management, the release noted.
It highlighted that the forum focused on four priority themes: managing water scarcity, reversing land degradation, promoting sustainable soil practices and integrating climate-resilient approaches to land and water use.
FAO director-general Qu Dongyu opened the event by highlighting the growing pressures on natural resources, warning that “soil, water and land are being depleted at an alarming rate, while climate-induced disasters are increasing in both frequency and intensity.”
Saruth detailed the country’s advances in sustainable agriculture during the plenary session, citing conservation agriculture (CA) as an innovative solution.
“Cambodia has embraced conservation agriculture as a transformative approach. The Cambodia Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification Consortium [CASIC] has played a key role in scaling up practices that restore soil health and enhance water efficiency,” he said.
Attendees of the closing ceremony for the first International Soil and Water Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand from December 9-11. Supplied
He pointed to success in Battambang province, where CA practices have boosted crop yields by up to 30 per cent while reducing water use by 20 per cent. He noted that enhanced soil quality has also improved resilience to extreme weather events.
Saruth also highlighted water management strategies, including community-led irrigation systems and the restoration of traditional ponds to ensure year-round water access.
He said in Kampong Thom province, the integration of CA and small-scale irrigation has enabled the cultivation of high-value crops during the dry season, significantly increasing farmer incomes.
The FAO and other development partners, through CASIC, are supporting the country’s efforts to promote conservation agriculture and agroecology across the region, the release noted.
FAO representative in Cambodia Rebekah Bell underscored the importance of collaborative initiatives, stating, “Through the partnership between FAO and the Royal Government of Cambodia, we are advancing innovative solutions to manage water scarcity, reverse land degradation and promote sustainable soil management.”
According to the release, a key highlight of the forum was the launch of the “Global Status of Salt-affected Soils” report, providing updated data on saline soils and their impacts on food security, water quality and sustainable land use. The report also introduced strategies for addressing these challenges. Additionally, progress reports on water-use efficiency and stress monitoring were shared, offering insights into agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
The forum concluded with a call for stronger international collaboration and innovative solutions to safeguard soil and water resources, paving the way for a more sustainable and secure future.
