The Embassy of France and the Agence Française de Développement organize the first "Blue Talks" in Cambodia

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, France, in June 2025, co-chaired by France and Costa Rica

The first "Blue Talks" 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 Vice-Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, H.E. Mr. Long Dimanche, the Regional Director of AFD (French Development Agency) 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, including groups of the civil society, United Nations agencies, but also representatives from the public sector.

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

This event, organized in partnership with the AFD (French Development Agency), aimed to mobilize all stakeholders related to marine issues to create a favourable dynamic for negotiating multilateral texts such as the International Treaty for the Protection of the High Seas and Marine Biodiversity (BBNJ)

The Blue Talks 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 Talks' 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 and beyond," 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 in Cambodia 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, in collaboration with the European Union, supports many 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.

About the AFD Group

The AFD Group finances, supports, and accelerates the necessary transitions for a fairer and more resilient world. It thus helps implement France's policy on sustainable development and international solidarity. Together with and for the populations, the AFD group build shared solutions with their partners in over 160 countries and in 11 French overseas departments and territories.

Their goal? To reconcile economic development and the preservation of common goods: climate, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, education, and health. The teams of the AFD group are committed to more than 3,600 projects on the ground, contributing to France's and the French people's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For a shared world.