Ministries and technical experts gather to discuss application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the water sector – barriers, potential solutions and entry points to policy and planning

Hyatt Regency, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On the 15th of February 2023, the World Bank and ICEM organized a cross-sector dialogue with technical experts and key Cambodian ministries on the application of Nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Cambodian water sector. Participants in the dialogue came from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, & Innovation (MISTI), the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM), the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), and the Ministry of Environment (MOE). Named the Policy Dialogue on Application of Nature-based Solutions in the Water Sector, Cambodia, the discussion aimed to promote the use of NbS in Cambodia’s policy and planning and the delivery of water infrastructure.

Nature-based solutions are approaches to building infrastructure and providing services in a way that uses or imitates natural processes. By observing the structures and systems that appear in nature, we can bring the benefits of healthy ecosystems back to our cities and make our communities more resilient to climate change.

“Estimates suggest that NbS can provide up to 37% of the mitigation needed until 2030 to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement”’ – Ms Marie Chapuis, Task Team Leader, the World Bank.

The use of NbS to solve infrastructure problems in Cambodia is crucial given the effects of climate change, particularly droughts and floods. The World Bank understands the need and,with support from the Government of Japan and the Quality Infrastructure Investment Partnership, tasked ICEM with organizing the dialogue as a part of the Assessment for mainstreaming nature-based solutions in water supply sector under their Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project (WaSSIP). The World Bank’s project is implemented by MISTI,in cooperation with other ministries.

His Excellency Chann Sinath, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, delivered the opening remarks with Ms Marie Chapuis, Task Team Leader from the World Bank, and His Excellency Tan Sokchea, Director General of the General Department of Potable Water Supply under MISTI.

“Our government today determines water security, sustainability, and modernization as a first priority.” – H.E. Chann Sinath.

During the dialogue, ministry officials and experts exchanged views on the various forms NbS can take and how they compare to current, conventional methods. Seven presentations introduced NbS measures, valuing economic costs and benefits, case studies, and ways to integrate NbS into development policy and programs.  Participants were divided into two groups,and asked to discuss four questions:

  1. Which applications of NbS are most suited to each ministry & what are the benefits?
  2. What are the main barriers to NbS in Cambodia?
  3. How can those barriers be overcome?
  4. What are the main priorities for integrating NbS into development?

The discussion identified the main barriers to NbS. National and provincial departments and local communities need help in understanding the concept, the benefits of NbS and the ways they can be applied in practice. Also, there is a need for more technical knowledge and training, for national standards, and adequate budget commitment. The tendency for government agencies to work in silos in planning and building infrastructure can reduce opportunities for innovation and integrated water resources management driven by NbS and ecosystem approaches.

Participants identified the need for a national database and web-based decision support system on water resources management and NbS. Also, monitoring and evaluation of NbS pilots and demonstration was considered crucial to draw lessons and evidence for future projects.

“Nature-based solutions are an essential ingredient in water resource management to maintain supply and quality. Otherwise, we will continue to pump water from rivers until they run dry.” – H.E. Chann Sinath.

The use of NbS builds resilient communities and infrastructure. To integrate NbS into policy and planning and mainstream of NbS, inter-ministerial dialogues are needed to raise awareness and foster collaboration between ministries.

The presentation slides in English and Khmer can be found here.