Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Study in Cambodia

Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the study evaluates how to integrate environmental and social considerations into early-stage policy, planning, and decision-making. Drawing on stakeholder consultations, training activities, and experience from other countries, it identifies key entry points for SEA implementation. It also examines legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and the capacity to integrate environmental and social considerations into policy and planning. Findings highlight recent progress, including the incorporation of SEA into the 2023 Environment and Natural Resources Code, while also identifying gaps in regulatory frameworks, interagency coordination, and technical expertise. The report identifies challenges such as limited cross-sector collaboration and the need for clearer procedural guidance. It concludes with recommendations to strengthen legal instruments, build institutional capacity, and enhance coordination mechanisms to support effective SEA implementation and sustainable development in Cambodia.