Cambodia: Strategic national action plan for disaster risk reduction

The primary motivation of the Royal Government of Cambodia in the formulation of an Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is to reduce the vulnerability of its people, especially the poor, to the effects of natural, environmental and human-induced hazards. This can best be achieved by strengthening the disaster management system in Cambodia and by incorporating a disaster risk reduction perspective into the policies, strategies and plans of government in all sectors and at all levels. The action plan was conceived and formulated to serve as the “road map” or guide for strengthening and undertaking disaster risk reduction in Cambodia. Implementation of the activities and projects identified in the plan can contribute significantly to the attainment of government’s primary objective of poverty reduction.

The action plan has the following specific objectives:

1. Contribute to a common understanding, knowledge and awareness of disaster risk reduction
2. Provide a comprehensive framework to guide and monitor the implementation of disaster risk reduction initiatives in the country
3. Create a conducive environment for the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into development plans, policies and projects of the government
4. Enhance coordination and cooperation between disaster management and development stakeholders
5. Improve the efficiency of resource allocation and utilisation in disaster reduction
6. Orient donor support in disaster risk reduction to government-identified priorities