Cambodia.
BLUE BUILDER
Building Capacity and Building Momentum
BLUE BUILDER
Building Capacity and Building Momentum
National Snapshot.
Cambodia is at a promising early stage of its Blue Economy journey, having integrated the concept of ‘Development with Sustainability’ into its National Strategic Plan for Green Growth.
This reflects a growing national commitment to sustainable development and marine stewardship. The country has made meaningful progress in protecting its natural capital, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. Cambodia is actively strengthening its foundations and building the capabilities needed to unlock the full potential of its blue economy.
As a result, Cambodia’s blue economy profile has been identified as a Blue Builder.
Implementation Progress
Implementation Progress
Building momentum
Cambodia has integrated the concept of the blue economy into its National Strategic Plan of Green Growth 2013-2030, indicating a strategic intent to deliver sustainable ocean development (Kingdom of Cambodia, 2013) . Therefore, Cambodia has taken important initial steps to incorporate the Blue Economy into national policy frameworks. While full-scale implementation and mainstreaming are still in progress, there is clear potential to accelerate action through the development of an integrated policy framework and strategic direction. Addressing marine ecosystem degradation and supporting coastal communities remain key priorities.
With targeted efforts in marine spatial planning, institutional strengthening, sustainable investment, and a multisectoral, people-centred approach aligned with regional and global frameworks, Cambodia is well-positioned to advance its Blue Economy ambitions. (Poch & Oum, 2023).
The National State of Oceans and Coasts 2018 measured the value of Cambodia’s Blue Economy, and aimed to improve the implementation of processes that integrate science, public awareness, cultural heritage, and social change to lead the real improvement in economic, environmental and ecological health and social well-being. In this regard, it is recognised that the integration of the blue economy development concept into national economic development policies and strategies must be taken into account in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14.
Overall, Cambodia is building momentum in its Blue Economy development, reflecting an emerging awareness of the sector’s potential. While progress across financial, physical, and human capital dimensions is still developing, the country has taken meaningful steps to protect its natural capital, most notably through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. These initiatives provide a strong platform for future marine conservation efforts. Additionally, the integration of the Blue Economy into Cambodia’s broader Green Growth Strategy signals a growing commitment to a holistic and sustainable approach to managing aquatic resources. This alignment lays a promising foundation for building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible blue economy.
Explore how Cambodia is positioned for each of the
Blue Economy Capitals.
Financial
Capital.
Financial Capital.
Cambodia’s ocean economy is a vital contributor to national development, valued at an estimated US$2.4 billion, or 16% of GDP, in 2015, with key sectors including shipping and ports (51% of revenue), fisheries and aquaculture (46%), and coastal and marine tourism (3%) (PEMSEA, 2018) . By 2020, this contribution had grown to nearly US$2.8 billion in gross value added (Poch & Oum, 2023) . Cambodia’s coastal waters are rich in biodiversity, home to mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows that offer significant ecological and economic value.
As yet dedicated blue finance mechanisms and ocean accounting systems are not in place. This presents a timely opportunity to explore innovative financial solutions, such as blue bonds and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) models, to support conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of marine resources (World Bank, 2023). As the blue economy becomes increasingly integrated into Cambodia’s green growth agenda, the development of tailored financial instruments can play a transformative role in unlocking the full potential of its ocean economy.
Physical
Capital.
Physical Capital.
Cambodia’s blue economy is supported by key infrastructure assets, most notably its seaports, with the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port serving as the country’s primary deep seaport for international trade. From 2013 to 2019, the port demonstrated strong performance, with container throughput increasing by an average of 14.2% annually. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, growth remained resilient with gross throughput more than doubling from 3 million to 7 million tons.
While broader blue infrastructure, particularly in sectors like fisheries and tourism, is still developing, these achievements provide a solid foundation. There is significant potential to expand and diversify blue economy infrastructure to better support sustainable development and long-term resilience across coastal and marine sectors (Poch & Oum, 2023).
Human
Capital.
Human Capital.
Cambodia’s ocean economy is a major source of employment, supporting approximately 3.2 million people (PEMSEA, 2018). As the country looks to expand its blue economy, there is growing recognition of the need to strengthen the maritime workforce to fully realise this potential. Current capacity in terms of workforce size and qualifications remains limited, particularly in sectors such as marine aquaculture, conservation, and marine-related manufacturing. However, this presents a valuable opportunity for targeted investment in education and training.
Cambodia’s Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.606 in 2023 places it in the medium human development category (UNDP, 2025), highlighting the importance of inclusive development strategies. Expanding access to quality education, skills development, and decent work opportunities, especially for coastal and vulnerable communities, will be essential to addressing inequality and poverty, while building a resilient and future-ready blue economy.
Social
Capital.
Social Capital.
Although Cambodia has not yet formally adopted the Blue Economy as a national development agenda, its importance has been acknowledged in key policy documents such as the National Policy on Green Growth and the National Strategic Plan on Green Growth (2013–2030). Several sector-specific policies and regulations are already in place, laying the groundwork for broader integration. The establishment of the National Committee for Management and Development (NCMD) of Cambodian Coastal Areas in 2012 marked a positive move toward inter-ministerial coordination, involving key ministries such as Land Management, Environment, and Tourism.
While this structure aims to enhance sustainability, ecosystem conservation, and community livelihoods, challenges remain, particularly around overlapping mandates, unclear responsibilities, and limited coordination. Notably, the NCMD’s current scope excludes marine spaces and fisheries. To address this, a sub-decree is being drafted to expand its jurisdiction and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Committee for Maritime Security (NCMS). These efforts represent important steps toward more integrated and effective governance of Cambodia’s blue economy (World Bank, 2023).
Natural
Capital.
Natural Capital.
Cambodia’s Ocean Health Index score stands at 66 out of 100, just below the global average of 72 (OHI, 2026). Promising steps have already been taken to accelerate efforts to protect and restore ocean and coastal ecosystems, including the proposed designation of approximately 3.5% of Cambodia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), around 150,000 hectares, for Marine Protected Area (MPA) status, with 1.48% currently designated (Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, 2022; Protected Planet [UNEP-WCMC], 2026). Existing 10 MPAs under the Ministry of Environment in four coastal provinces such as in Kep (Kep National park), Kampot (Preah Monivong Bokor National Park), Preah Sihanouk (Ream Marine National Park, Kbal Chhay Fresh Water Multiple Used Area, Koh Rong Marine National Park) and Koh Kong (Dang Peng Multiple Used Area, Botumsakor National Park, Peam Krasoap Wildlife Sanctuary, Koh Kapic Ramsar Site, Tatai Wildlife Sanctuary). These MPAs cover over 600,000 hectares and several additional sites are in various stages of planning. These include the Koh Sdach, Kampot, Kep and Chroy Pros Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA).
Conservation efforts are supported by international partnerships and funding. For example, the UNEP and GEF are currently implementing a project entitled “Implementing the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand” (SCS SAP Project), which aims to assist countries in meeting the targets of the coastal and marine environment components of the approved Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the South China Sea through implementation of the National Action Plans in support of the SAP, and strengthening the regional co-ordination for the South China Sea SAP implementation (SCS SAP, 2020). The Ministry of Natural Resources China also has collaborations in the fields of Early Warning Systems, marine climate change, marine research and capacity building.
The EU-funded CO-SAVED project, which promotes socio-economic resilience and marine species protection. The Cambodian government is also working with organisations like the FAO to strengthen technical capacity and monitoring systems (Cambodgemag, 2025). In addition, local and international NGOs, including Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), Fauna & Flora, and Save The Earth International (STEI), are actively contributing to marine conservation at various scales. Together, these initiatives form a strong foundation for improving ocean health and advancing Cambodia’s sustainable blue economy.
Implementation Capacity
Implementation Capacity
building capacity
Cambodia has strong resource availability and rich natural capital which provide a solid foundation for blue wealth.
However, the ability to capitalise on these opportunities is constrained with by complexities and challenges with institutional capacity.
With targeted support to strengthen governance and streamline processes, Cambodia can unlock its full potential and translate its natural wealth into sustainable, inclusive progress.
