AKP Phnom Penh, March 26, 2026 --

Oxfam Cambodia, in collaboration with civil society organisations, riverine communities, and relevant government institutions, concluded Thursday a three-day event to advocate for sustainable water governance and climate resilience along the Mekong River.

Held from Mar. 24 to 26 in northeast Cambodia's Stung Treng province, the gathering simultaneously commemorated International Women’s Day, the International Day of Action for Rivers, and World Water Day.

More than 90 participants – including women, youth, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities – joined Royal Government officials and development partners under the theme "Water, Rivers, Resilience, and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion)."

The initiative aimed to amplify diverse voices, showcase community-led conservation efforts, and foster collective action for resilient water management. Participants camped at the Koh Sambit ecotourism site along the Mekong, engaging in roundtable discussions, cultural performances, and knowledge-sharing sessions with local villagers.

"The camping experience provided a unique opportunity to connect directly with the river’s ecosystem and witness traditional livelihoods such as fishing and riverbank farming," organisers said, noting the importance of protecting these resources for future generations.

As part of the programme, a "River Solidarity" walk and cleanup was led by the Ministry of Environment to symbolise shared responsibility for the ecosystem. Participants also travelled by boat to the Mekong’s flooded forests, a critical biodiversity hotspot in Cambodia.

The excursion highlighted the vital role these forests play in supporting local fisheries and ecotourism, while acting as a natural buffer against climate change impacts.

The event concluded with testimonials from indigenous women and local youth, who used river-inspired art and traditional performances to illustrate how climate change and unsustainable development are currently threatening the Mekong’s delicate ecosystem and their way of life.

By K. Rithy Reak