IRRI convenes roundtable to address rice sector's greenhouse gas emissions challenge in Cambodia

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) convened a key roundtable discussion aimed at addressing the pressing need for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice sector. The event, held on 6 of June 2024 in Phnom Penh, garnered participation of experts, stakeholders, and thought leaders, including government officials, representatives of key ministries, donor organizations, national and international institutions, and universities.

The event opened with remarks by Dr. Mak Soeun, Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) and Vice-lead of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change at the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Dr. Soeun emphasized the urgent need to address climate change and the criticality of establishing an MRV framework in Cambodia, along with capacity building initiatives.

Dr. Nurmi Pangesti, IRRI’s country representative for Cambodia, highlighted the crucial role of rice in Cambodia’s economy and cultural heritage. While acknowledging rice production’s dual role as both a victim and contributor to climate change, Dr. Pangesti highlighted a recent milestone in climate resilience efforts. On June 4, 2024, the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas, an initiative led by IRRI, launched the Climate-Smart Mapping and Adaptation Planning (CS-MAP) tool. This innovative visual tool, developed through a participatory approach, aids in mapping climate risks and formulating strategic plans for enhancing climate resilience.

In his address, Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander, IRRI’s Senior Scientist for Climate Change, elaborated on IRRI’s endeavors to support the transition to low-emissions rice production without compromising the welfare of farmers. The development of a robust MRV system will be crucial to track progress towards Cambodia’s Paris Agreement goals and for supporting the generation of carbon credits as an additional income for Cambodia’s rice farmers. Some of the tools IRRI has developed with the support of the government of New Zealand, among others, could be adapted to the context of Cambodia.

Throughout the event, attendees were treated to presentations from esteemed speakers such as Dr. Seng Vang, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Land Resource Management at GDA, MAFF, as well as representatives from relevant institutions including Dr. San Vibol of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Mr. Prak Sereyvath of the Centre for International Research and Development, Mr. Jonathan Lim of AMRU Rice, and Dr. Bui Tan Yen of IRRI Vietnam. These presentations explored various facets of MRV, underscoring the multifaceted efforts underway to advance sustainable practices in rice production.

As scientific evidence continues to highlight the significant contribution of rice cultivation to GHG emissions, initiatives such as the MRV system championed by IRRI are pivotal in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, IRRI remains steadfast in its commitment to steering the rice sector towards a more resilient, sustainable future.

This activity is part of the CGIAR Initiatives on Asian Mega-Deltas and Low-Emission Food Systems.