The Role and Participation of Japanese NGOs in Environmental Conservation in Cambodia

Abstract

active role it plays concerning international environmental protection. For example, at
the G8 conference in 2008, Japan raised the issue of the environment and proposed the
idea of the “Cool Earth” to the conference. Japan conducts environmental work that
meets the requirements of targeted countries through the government sector, NGOs,
entrepreneurs and local communities. In Cambodia, Japan has played this role with
organizations such as the Japan International Volunteer Centre. Japan has also initated
environmental education in primary schools and communities situated in Siem Riep
province.
This article focuses on Japanese NGOs working in Cambodia. It explores how
NGOs participate in environmental conservation and the outcome of their work. The
study employs the database of the “Cambodian Rehabilitation and Development Board”
of the Council for the Development of Cambodia plus secondary data from other
sources. This study analyzes the factors that shape the activities of Japanese NGOs
concerning environmental conservation in Cambodia.

The results reveal three factors that shape environmental activities of Japanese
NGOs in Cambodia. First, environmental problems are perceived as an important global 

issue. The second factor is the relationship between Japanese NGOs and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The third factor is the seriousness of environmental problems
in Cambodia and shortages faced in that country. The study shows that local people,
the community and local stakeholders play key roles in Cambodian environmental
conservation. Japanese NGOs play a supportive role more than a leadership role.