SPECIAL REPORT
But here too, the CPER warns that climate financing should aim not only at attracting new resources. It should also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of significant climate-related expenditures.
In any case, the government found it difficult to mobilise resources as the action plans were not even integrated in sector plans and the National Strategic Development Plan, which is the basis for budget allocation.
In an interview last month, Ministry of Environment spokesman Neak Pheaktra acknowledged that the success of the Kingdom’s climate goals hinged upon the lack of funds and implementation of action plans by the ministries.
It is not enough that his ministry alone does its level best to meet the goals outlined in its pledges made under the UN Framework on Climate Change and Paris Climate Agreement ratifications.
Pheaktra said there has to be more emphasis on knowledge and capacity building in the ministries that includes training the staff to understand the impact of climate change.
At the same time, it will seek for increased funding assistance from development partners and the Green Climate Fund.
Three years ago, donors for climate change expenditure comprised the Asian Development Bank (35 per cent), China (29 per cent), and Japan (seven per cent).
The impact from the shortage of funds is apparent for the rice sector, said Directorate of Agriculture directorgeneral Nhim Chhay.
“Often, we cannot do much such as build canals as that comes under MoWRAM.
“Rice needs a lot of water unlike vegetable crops which are able to grow with minimum water.
“We have built grid irrigation for that sector but for rice fields, we are hampered by funds,” said Chhay.
Nevertheless, the department is ready to help farmers by distributing 1,000 tonnes of