Session Description
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is increasingly recognized as an essential tool for integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into public policies, plans, and programmes. Across the Mekong countries, SEA is gaining importance as governments seek to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive governance. However, implementation remains uneven due to differences in legal frameworks, institutional capacity, political commitment, and stakeholder engagement.
This session will examine the current status of SEA implementation in Cambodia and the Mekong countries, highlighting recent policy developments, institutional reforms, practical experiences, and remaining challenges. Cambodia has established a legal foundation for SEA through the Environment and Natural Resources Code and is advancing implementation regulations and institutional capacity. Comparative experiences from the Mekong will provide lessons on integrating SEA into development planning, infrastructure, natural resource management, and climate adaptation.
The session will bring together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, civil society organizations, and development partners to exchange experiences and identify practical approaches for strengthening SEA systems. Discussions will focus on inter-agency coordination, public participation, evidence-based decision-making, and the use of open environmental data, geospatial information, and emerging digital technologies to support effective planning. The session aims to foster regional collaboration and advance SEA implementation in the Mekong countries.
Session Summary
This session explores the progress, challenges, and opportunities for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) implementation in Cambodia and the Mekong countries. It highlights legal developments, regional experiences, and practical approaches to strengthening evidence-based and sustainable development planning.
Additional Information
This session will feature speakers from Cambodia and other Mekong countries, representing government, academia, civil society, and development partners. Through case studies and comparative experiences, the session will highlight practical lessons, innovative approaches, and policy recommendations for strengthening Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) implementation. Participants will have opportunities to engage in discussion and exchange ideas on advancing sustainable and evidence-based planning across the Mekong region.
Session Chair
Try Thy
Open Development Cambodia Organization
Cambodia