Cambodia Tells COP17 Its Protected Areas Cover Over 39% of National Territory, Exceeding Global Target

Phnom Penh, October 28, 2026: H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, delivered Cambodia's national statement at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Armenia on the afternoon of Oct. 27, 2026, setting out the Royal Government's strong commitment and determined efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect natural resources.

In the statement, the minister said Cambodia continues to advance vigorously on the foundation of peace and achievements left by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and President of the Senate, and under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, whose government has set clear and sharp policies for building and developing the country toward sustainable prosperity.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth highlighted the Environmental Sector Strategy as a compass driving Cambodia's future and its active role in helping address global environmental crises and protecting the planet for cleanliness, greenness and sustainability.

He said that in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), Cambodia's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) sets 23 national targets organised around six key result clusters. These focus on restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening governance of Cambodia's 73 protected areas, which cover about 7 million hectares—more than 39 percent of the country's land area—exceeding Target 3 of the KM-GBF.

The minister said Cambodia fully supports the biodiversity plan, the KM-GBF, the Yerevan Declaration and related initiatives, stressing that closing the global financial gap is the most important factor in achieving tangible results. Cambodia called on development partners, the private sector, civil society, women's and youth groups and all stakeholders to support the NBSAP approved by the head of government, which will be submitted to the UN biodiversity secretariat, and to help ensure sufficient financial resources and capacity to achieve harmony with nature for future generations.

Source: Ministry of Environment

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Reported by The Khmer Today