WELCOME to the Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) programme web site of CDRI - Cambodia Leading Independent Development Policy Research Institute. To assist in policy dialogue and information dissemination related to natural resources and environmental issues in Cambodia, we have designed this site to serve as a portal for access to key research findings and policy-relevant documents. Information on this site is intended to serve both local and international audiences, including policy makers, civil servants, researchers, consultants and students.

1. Introduction

Natural resources provide a wide variety of products and services for Cambodians. Currently, about 85 percent of the population lives in rural areas. Most of them are farmers, earning their livelihoods from agriculture, forestry and fishing. The National Institute of Statistics (NIS) reports that, in 2005, about 27 percent of GDP was derived from agriculture, forestry and fishing. This indicates the important role of natural resources in poverty alleviation and economic development in this country.

It has been reported that many Cambodian farmers are entirely dependent on rainfall for rice production. In addition, they rely heavily on natural forests and water for additional food, income and other resources. Therefore, appropriate management of natural resources plays a critical role in agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods. The NRE unit works to produce independent, objective, high quality policy-relevant development research on natural resources, including water resource management, forestry, fisheries and the environment.

2. Programme Background

The NRE programme of CDRI was established in October 2001. The first research carried out by the programme focused on “The Links Between Rural Livelihoods, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development”. It aimed to improve understanding about key Issues in these areas to support policy making. The programme then focused on “Rural Livelihoods and Environment”, which was funded by Danida from April 2002 to June 2004. The key issues in the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors were taken into account, including trade in fish and forest products, and the livelihood and resource management aspects of Cambodia’s high value forests.

Since the development of its 2001–05 strategic plan, CDRI has changed and so also has the NRE programme. It is growing larger and stronger by expanding research partners and its activities into water resource management to support agricultural production and sustainable use of natural resources. The objectives have also been revised and updated for the 2006-10 strategic plan. We undertake research and analysis to contribute to sustainable development and support the broader goals of CDRI and the government of reducing poverty and improving rural livelihoods. The objectives of the programme are:

  • To implement a high quality, independent NRE research programme that supports national sustainable development objectives and poverty reduction through improved rural livelihoods;

  • To deepen and broaden collaboration with relevant government institutions and civil society organisations in order to improve research impacts at the national level on NRE issues;

  • To raise and broaden local, national and international awareness on NRE issues in Cambodia;

  • To enhance NRE research capacity;

  • To serve as an independent and reliable source of NRE information for policy formulation.

                                                                                                                                             Back to top