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Dialoges bleu
Stakeholders of Cambodia's oceans, ecosystems, and marine biodiversity convened for a landmark meeting in Sihanoukville on July 23, 2024. This gathering is part of the preparation cycle for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will take place in Nice in June 2025, co-chaired by France and Costa Rica.

The first "Blue Dialogues" in Cambodia were held at the Independence Hotel in Sihanoukville on Tuesday, July 23. Opened by the French Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jacques Pellet, the event was attended by the Minister of Environment, H.E. Mr. Eang Sophalleth, the Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, H.E. Mr. Mang Sineth, the Regional Director of AFD for Southeast Asia, Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Commerce, Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. In total, around sixty organizations and stakeholders gathered for a full day focused on ocean-related themes.

During the discussions, participants reviewed major projects in Cambodia dedicated to coastal development and environmental protection. Topics of the blue economy, including eco-tourism, maritime trade, and responsible agriculture, as well as marine biodiversity and necessary conservation efforts, were addressed by the attendees.

This event, organized in partnership with the French Development Agency, aimed to mobilize all stakeholders related to marine issues to create a favorable dynamic for negotiating multilateral texts such as the International Treaty for the Protection of the High Seas and Marine Biodiversity (BBNJ). The Blue Dialogues also established a network of stakeholders in Cambodia, enabling all parties to exchange ideas and jointly create new ocean-related projects.

"Each individual is important in the process of protecting the oceans, and no one should be left out. These 'Blue Dialogues' must be an opportunity for all of us to exchange and decide which path to take, to continue the work already started, and to build a sustainable network on ocean issues in Cambodia," stated the French Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jacques Pellet, during his opening speech.

"Protecting marine resources is crucial for the economy and well-being of Cambodia's coastal communities. Our projects strengthen the resilience of fisheries and promote sustainable aquaculture, thereby improving food security for more than 200,000 people. The AFD supports a blue economy that balances economic growth with environmental preservation," indicated Mr. Jean-Pierre Marcelli, Regional Director of AFD for Southeast Asia.

As part of its partnership with Cambodia, France supports numerous research projects in the fields of aquaculture and marine conservation. Through its funding, it contributes to better sustainable resource management in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact :

POM Rachel : rachelp@afd.ext.fr

CORREZE Clara : correzec@afd.fr

NASLIN Jean-Edouard : naslinje@afd.fr