Background 

The Environment Forum of the NGO Forum on Cambodia, previously called the Environment Working Group, was established in 1995.  It brings together local and international NGOs, government agencies, researchers, environmentalist, educators and students to discuss current environmental issues in Cambodia. Many NGOs involved in environmental and other fields consider the Environment Forum as an important place for sharing information and learning about environmental issues.  In order to draw people’s and policy makers' attention to environmental issues, the Environment Forum members organise each year various public awareness events, including Environment Day parades and ceremonies in Phnom Penh and the provinces, attracting crowds and television crews to the events.  Beginning in 2005, the Ministry of Environment has been providing, for the NGO Forum’s comment, draft Environmental Impact Assessments prepared by companies intending to begin large-scale projects in Cambodia, and the NGO Forum is coordinating the submission of NGO comments to the Ministry.

Problem Statement

Cambodia still faces serious environmental threats: the forests continue to disappear, dangerous pesticides threaten the health of farmers and consumers, and the enforcement of environmental laws is clearly inadequate.  Conservation and protection of natural resources will not become national priorities unless there is widespread awareness of environmental issues.

There is a need to build on previous successes of the Environmental Rights Project in order to continue to raise awareness, to promote debate, and to bring the concerns of NGOs and the voices of local people to decision-makers, government institutions and development agencies, resulting in better protection of the environment to the benefit of local communities reliant on natural resources.

Outputs 

	Awareness of national, regional and international environmental issues among Cambodians is promoted.
	Environmental issues and government policies are discussed among NGOs, interest groups, academics and the community.
	Gender is considered and represented in environment network communication, and policy analysis.