Phnom Penh, Cambodia (October 14, 2009) – Disaster experts from Asian Zone Environment and Emergency Co-operation Network (AZEECON) and representatives from Cambodia’s Ministries of Agriculture and Environment met together to discuss and share experience on climate change at AZEECON Workshop on Climate Change from Rights Based Perspective, in Phnom Penh on 12th -14th October 2009.

The workshop, organized by Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Cambodia at its own main office, aimed to (1) improve knowledge and understanding of the earth’s past and present climate and environment, (2) improve the integration of disaster risk reduction into climate change adaptation, and (3) share experiences of climate change impacts and adaptation in terms of right based approach.

Dr. Sam Inn, LWF Cambodia   Deputy Representative

In his opening speech, LWF Cambodia Deputy Representative Dr. Sam Inn said, “Climate change caused by developed or rich countries, and the poor or developing countries are more vulnerable and will get serious impacts from the climate change.”

“Rich country have closed their eyes for a long time and shown low commitment to tackle the issue,” Dr. Inn said, adding that the workshop would allow participants to share and learn from each other best practices applied at the local level to challenge environment destruction, disaster risk and the emerging issue ‘Climate Change’.

In his presentation on Cambodia’s Policy and Guideline on Climate Change, Mr. Ouk Navann, representative from the Ministry of Environment, highlighted the impact of global warming on Cambodia’s climate, impact of climate change on agriculture, forestry, human health, and costal zone.

Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures were also underlined. “Climate change poses a serious threat for Cambodia socio-economic development,” he concluded.

Water gate funded by EC-DIPECHO, IRDEP-Thpong Kampong Speu

On the second day of the workshop, participants visited two of LWF Cambodia’s six projects in the provinces of Kampong Speu’s Thpong district and Kampong Chhnang’s Tuek Phos district. On the fields, they learned about the implementation of LWF Cambodia’s Community-based Disaster Risk Management Project funded by EC’s Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO) and Climate Change Adaptation Project funded by FinnChurchAid.

Participants found that both CBDRM and CCAP substantially contributed to help improve the livelihood of the poor living in the project areas.

The AZEECON was established in 1997 by LWF’s Department for World Service. The members of the Network include LWF Cambodia Program, LWS India, LWF Nepal, and localized LWF Bangladesh. The Network was formed to expand and strengthen regional cooperation to support grassroots-work in country in emergency preparedness and management and related environmental issues.