The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) announced that on March 25, at the Han River Flood Control Office (located in Seocho-gu, Seoul), Minister Kim Wansup and Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources & Meteorology of Cambodia, will hold a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen water management cooperation between the two countries.

Cambodia has been experiencing various water-related issues due to climate change, including flooding, biodiversity loss, and agricultural water shortages, leading to a high demand for projects related to drought and flood disaster response as well as integrated water management systems. 

Accordingly, the Ministry has collaborated with Cambodia on projects such as 1) expanding water supply facilities in Battambang Province, 2) strengthening capacity for hydrological surveys and hydrological data management, and 3) establishing a comprehensive plan for integrated water resource management of major rivers. Currently, it is working on the development of a smart water management system in Phnom Penh.

The two ministers discussed water management measures to address the climate crisis, including the implementation of integrated water management projects, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based flood forecasting system, and international greenhouse gas reduction through small hydropower generation. They also agreed to continue identifying projects beneficial to both countries. In particular, they aimed to align efforts for the successful implementation of the Mekong River-Stung Sen River interconnection project (total project cost of KRW 700 billion) to enhance Cambodia’s climate resilience. 

* A project to construct a canal that channels water from the Mekong River to the Stung Sen River, aiming to protect the biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and to mitigate flood and drought damage.

Following this, the Cambodian delegation, including the Minister of Water Resources & Meteorology, will observe a demonstration of the AI-based flood forecasting system at the Han River Flood Control Office situation room and receive an overview of Korea’s water management system, including the water management information system, drought forecasting, and flood risk maps, which utilize digital technology.

This meeting is expected to strengthen water management cooperation between the two governments, contributing to the advancement of Cambodia’s water management and the expansion of Korea’s water industry into overseas markets. The Ministry is currently promoting various support programs, including international development cooperation projects, overseas demonstration support, and overseas market expansion initiatives, to facilitate the global expansion of domestic water companies. Moving forward, the Ministry will continue to enhance cooperation with various countries to support domestic water companies in addressing global water challenges.

Minister Kim Wansup stated, “We hope that this bilateral meeting will advance water management cooperation with Cambodia and that Korea’s water industry can contribute to Cambodia’s climate crisis adaptation.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com