Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha marked this year’s World Rivers Day with a powerful tribute to the value of the world’s waterways. He described rivers as “the lifeblood, the heart and the future of humanity, supporting daily livelihoods and helping reduce the risks of flooding and drought”.
As chairman of the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and the Tonle Sap Authority, Chetha explained that the September 28 day is a globally significant event.
It highlights the strategic and vital role that rivers play for humanity — as invaluable natural resources, the lifeblood of life, the heart, and the future, supporting daily livelihoods, sustainable development, environmental protection and ecological stability. Rivers also play a key role in mitigating flood and drought risks.
“The vital importance of rivers for human well-being, the environment and development is widely acknowledged. Plans for the sustainable management of rivers are being carefully considered and prioritised by all countries around the world, including Cambodia,” he said.
He noted that Cambodia is richly endowed with extensive river systems, streams and wetlands — including the Mekong River system, Tonle Sap Lake and the Bassac, Sekong, Sesan and Srepok rivers, and many tributaries. These serve as sources of water, food and energy, supporting environmental conservation, ecological balance, economic development and social progress from the past to the present — and into the future.
The minister said that as part of national policy and development planning aimed at promoting sustainable growth, the Royal Government of Cambodia consistently prioritises river basin and water resource management. These efforts include establishing legal and institutional frameworks, strengthening implementation capacity and addressing challenges posed by climate change — all to ensure the long-term sustainability of rivers and water resources in support of development across all sectors.
Regarding transboundary rivers such as the Mekong — an international river flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam — Cambodia has actively engaged in and strengthened regional cooperation with a unified vision and shared goals to ensure the sustainability of the river for sustainable development and prosperity across the Mekong region.
In the context of climate change and rapid, continuous development, and to maintain the essential, beneficial, and invaluable functions of rivers in a lasting and healthy way — for Cambodia, the region and the world — he explained that it is necessary to strengthen and enhance cooperation and partnerships among all stakeholders. This is considered the best and most essential path for sustainable progress.
The Minister issued a global call for all countries and stakeholders to further strengthen their collaborative efforts and partnerships to ensure the sustainability of rivers for a prosperous and advanced shared future.
“In this spirit, Cambodia will continue its efforts and commitment to work with all stakeholders and partners to jointly achieve these goals under the theme: ‘Our Rivers, Our Future’,” he declared.
