Cambodia has launched its National Water Resources Data Management Centre to boost data handling for water, weather, and irrigation needs. This step supports digital governance and climate resilience amid rising disasters. The centre kicked off with a five-day training from January 26-30, 2026, at Phnom Penh’s Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel. H.E. Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, opened the event with 150 participants from ministries and partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It acts as a hub for data analysis, sharing, and disaster prevention.
The centre manages water resources, meteorology, and irrigation data to aid decision-making. It ties into Cambodia’s IWRM Action Plan 2026-2030, which targets better governance in five key basins and climate adaptation. Training covered the Water Resources Information System and Irrigation Infrastructure Management System for practical use.
Cambodia faces frequent floods and droughts; the World Bank notes water issues affect 80% of its farmland. The centre builds on ADB’s $173 million support for sustainable management since 2024. It strengthens ties with global bodies like WMO for early warnings and aligns with national goals for 2030 sustainability. This initiative boosts capacity in hydrology and climate response, cutting disaster losses estimated at $200 million yearly by UN data. It positions Cambodia as a regional leader in water tech amid Mekong challenges.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is the National Water Resources Data Management Centre?
A central hub for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on water, weather, irrigation, and disasters to improve governance.
2. When and where was the launch training held?
January 26-30, 2026, at Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel in Phnom Penh, led by Minister Thor Chetha.
3. Who attended the launch event?
150 officials from ministries, ADB’s Country Director, and development partners focused on water management.
4. How does it help Cambodia?
Enhances disaster prevention, climate response, and sustainable development via better data systems and global cooperation.