Cambodia and Lao PDR have launched Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Action Plans for 2026–2030, marking a significant step toward sustainable and climate-resilient water governance. Developed with support from the Climate Risk and Early Warning System (CREWS) initiative and through collaboration between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), these plans aim to advance national progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Cambodia’s vision for climate-resilient water management 

Cambodia’s IWRM Action Plan, titled “Cambodia Climate Resilient IWRM Action Plan 2026–2030: Toward the Achievement of Agenda 2030” aims to promote climate-resilient, integrated and multi-purpose water resources management. The plan is structured around three priority objectives:  

1. Develop a sustainable financial plan for IWRM. 
2. Promote climate-resilient, multi-purpose water projects in five priority basins (2026–2030).
3. Strengthen the river basin approach and IWRM-based water governance.

These objectives will be implemented through three actions comprising 22 activities over the 2026-2030 period. 

Lao PDR’s preliminary evaluation and forward planning 

Lao PDR’s action plan, titled “Preliminary Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Action Plan 2026–2030 for the Lao PDR”, serves as both a forward-looking strategy and a review of progress made under the 2021–2025 plan. It aligns with the country’s long-term Vision 2040 and Strategy 2030 for water resource utilization and management. 

By the end of 2024, Lao PDR had achieved notable milestones: of the 83 activities outlined under eight strategic goals, 27 were completed, 44 were on track, and 12 were either delayed or pending initiation. 

Collaborative development and support 

Both action plans were shaped through several stakeholder consultations, national workshops, and partner reviews. The development process was supported and co-financed by UNEP-DHI and GWP under Stage 2 of the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme. Both countries adopted the IWRM Action Planning Framework as their methodological foundation. 

To learn more, download the full action plans: