AIIB has achieved a milestone with the approval of its 300th project, the Cambodia Integrated Water Resources Management (CIWRM) Project. Aside from being a highlight in AIIB’s expanding portfolio, the project’s focus on gender aspects underscores AIIB’s commitment to consider relevant gender equality issues in its financing under the recently approved Gender Action Plan.
The CWIRM project is designed to increase irrigation water availability in the dry season and reduce the risk of flooding in the wet season in the Pursat and Sangker River Basins by employing an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach. To do this, the project will strengthen the water management capacity of the river basin committees in the Pursat and Battambang provinces, upgrade water regulators and irrigation canals for better dry-season water access and improve flood-control and drainage systems to mitigate wet-season floods to reduce the climate-induced flood risks for communities in these areas.
According to our Gender Action Plan, women, especially in developing economies, often bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse impacts of climate change. The plan acknowledges the significant role that women can play as agents of adaptation and response to climate change. The CIWRM project includes measures and targets to address these impacts, focusing on increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes. This includes engaging women in community consultations, flood risk mapping, planning, implementation and monitoring so that their needs and concerns are effectively addressed. The project also aims to employ more women and upskill them, thereby improving their access to and control over water resources.
The USD198.18 million irrigation and flood control project in Cambodia is co-financed by AIIB and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In addition to the USD80 million AIIB loan component, the project also benefitted from a USD4.9 million grant from AIIB for project preparation and a USD1 million Special Fund Window for interest rate buy-down.
The CIWRM project is aligned with the Government of Cambodia’s goal to make the country’s water resource management climate-adaptive and sustainable to support social and economic growth and ecosystem protection. It is also the first project approved under the first Country Cooperation Framework between Cambodia and AIIB.
According to AIIB President Jin Liqun: “By investing in climate adaptation and mitigation infrastructure such as water regulators to control floods and irrigation canals with nature-based solutions, flood monitor systems and fish-friendly passages in Cambodia, AIIB and the government of Cambodia are working together to promote green infrastructure and climate action, while also advancing global development targets like SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).”
Cambodia’s extensive river systems, including Lake Tonle Sap, are vital to its economy, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. However, climate change and growth pressures are straining these critical resources. Cambodia is highly vulnerable to water insecurity, with frequent floods and droughts jeopardizing livelihoods and food security. Additionally, inadequate irrigation and drainage systems hinder agricultural productivity and exacerbate rural poverty. Addressing these challenges requires a robust, integrated approach to water resource management.
The project will directly benefit around 72,000 people who are vulnerable to climate-induced drought risks and around 54,700 people who are vulnerable to climate-induced flood risks. Improvements will enhance food security and rural livelihoods while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The project’s focus on capacity building and community engagement will create a foundation for long-term resilience and self-reliance among local communities.
