Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Lim Kean Hor said a number of difficult challenges that need to be dealt with proactively are all putting growing pressure on the Mekong River’s resources and threatening its sustainability.

He called on all of the Mekong River countries to strengthen their cooperation, management and sustainable development on the water resources.

Kean Hor made the remarks while attending the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Water Resources Cooperation Forum held via video conference under the theme “working together to address challenges” on December 7-8.

He said the Mekong River had important water resources for driving the Mekong countries’ socio-economic development, as well as for sustaining the livelihoods and wellbeing of the peoples across the entire river basin.

“The challenges include population growth, increasing demand for water, food and energy security and rapid development in the basin. The possible impacts and risks of climate change have been putting pressure on river resources and sustainability,” he said.

The minister said it is a joint responsibility of all of the countries along the river to strengthen regional cooperation and work together to achieve results that ensure water security and support sustainable management and development in the Mekong-Lancang region.

He expressed his gratitude for the progress and achievements that have been made so far within the framework of the Mekong-Lancang forum, which helped the Mekong countries pursue sustainable socio-economic development and bring prosperity to the region with tangible productivity and results, including water resources cooperation.

He said Cambodia is committed and prepared to continue to work closely with the other Mekong countries in the spirit of shared responsibility towards achieving common prosperity with inclusive growth and a sustainable future for each nation and for the whole Mekong-Lancang region.

Separately, Hour Thanith – the Ministry of Environment representative who attended the virtual China-ASEAN dam safety science popularisation conference in November – said he appreciates the Mekong-Lancang framework which supports the preservation of the Trapeang Thmor reservoir in Banteay Meanchey province.

He said the project protects the environment and socio-economy.

“Through this programme, we have built relationships and the capacity for our youths to study safe water management and conservation with China and other ASEAN member countries,” he said.