Support to the Tonle Sap Authority on the State of the Tonle Sap Basin Diagnostic Assessment

Project Context:

The Tonle Sap Basin—encompassing the lake, river, and 11 major tributaries—is one of the world’s most productive freshwater ecosystems. It directly supports 1.7 million people and sustains millions more through vital ecosystem services. However, the basin faces increasing pressures from environmental degradation, water insecurity, and socio-economic change, threatening its long-term sustainability.

To address these challenges, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), through the Tonle Sap Authority (TSA) and in partnership with the World Bank, is conducting a water security diagnostic of the basin. This multidisciplinary study will analyze key drivers of change, assess risks to ecosystems and livelihoods, and recommend actions for sustainable water management.

The Australian Water Partnership (AWP) is supporting the World Bank in designing and delivering the assessment. It brings together key stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy and investment plan for the sustainable, inclusive development and conservation of the Tonle Sap Basin. ICEM, AWP’s Australian partner, is leading technical implementation and contributing expert input to the Water Security Diagnostic Report.

client:
Australian Water Partnership (AWP)
LOCATION:
Cambodia
TIME:
December 2024
to October 2025

TAGS

Climate Change, Environmental Economics, Project description, Water
Cambodia
Current Projects

Objectives

As part of AWP’s contribution to the diagnostic assessment, ICEM is leading the technical implementation of the diagnostic, and contributing experts to key technical areas:
  • Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and River Basin Planning (RBP): Assessing current water resource conditions, key risks, and opportunities for improved basin-wide planning.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture: Evaluating the impact and severity of water security issues on fishery and aquaculture resources, which are critical for livelihoods in the region.
  • Economic Analysis: Identifying the economic drivers of change and their implications for water resource governance.
  • Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI): Ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable communities are included in water security considerations.
  • GIS, diagnostic, and mapping: Analysis and mapping of key technical areas, illustrating the pressures that face this critical ecosystem and the water security hotspots most affected.
  • Climate Change: Evaluating the impacts of climate change on water resources in the basin, including existing adaptations and those which will be required in the future.
  • Livelihoods and Social Analysis: Identifying, quantifying, and summarizing the key livelihoods in the basin, the water security issues which threaten them, and the causes of trends and changes in livelihoods and demography.
ICEM is working closely with the World Bank and Tonle Sap Authority to co-develop the workplan and methodology and deliver this comprehensive assessment that will:
  • Identify key water security risks, pressures, and trends impacting the TSB.
  • Assess the impacts of different management scenarios, including business-as-usual, to inform basin-wide planning and decision-making.
  • Develop a GEDSI action plan to enhance water security and social equity.
  • Build the capacity of TSA and relevant government agencies in integrated basin assessment and planning.
  •  Engage local communities and stakeholders, including marginalized groups, in the diagnostic assessment process to ensure inclusive and sustainable water governance.

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Support to the Tonle Sap Authority on the State of the Tonle Sap Basin Diagnostic Assessment

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