PRESS RELEASE: Australia and World Vision launch regional project to strengthen inclusive and climate resilient agriculture in Kratie Province
Kratie Province, Cambodia – World Vision International in Cambodia today officially launched the Building Climate-Adaptive Solutions through Inclusive Market Networks (BASIN) project with the objective to strengthen inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural value chains and empower women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized households.
BASIN is a regional initiative implemented in three countries by World Vision: Laos, Cambodia (Kratie), and Vietnam. BASIN is funded by Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership and will run from May 2025 to April 2029, aiming to strengthen a more inclusive, integrated, economically and climate-resilient Mekong subregion.
In Cambodia, BASIN will directly benefit over 9,000 people, including 2,100 women, almost 500 persons with disabilities, and 4,700 children, across the districts of Prek Prasob, Sambor, and Snuol in Kratie Province.
The workshop brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Kratie Provincial Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), provincial departments, civil society organizations, agricultural cooperatives, farmer groups, private sector actors, technical experts, and included World Vision staff from Australia, East Asia Region, and Cambodia.
Building Inclusive and Climate-Smart Market Systems
The BASIN project directly supports the implementation of Cambodia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 by strengthening climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural systems, enhancing adaptive capacity among vulnerable groups, reinforcing sub-national delivery of climate actions, and generating evidence to inform effective and equitable climate policy and investment.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Janes Imanuel Ginting, National Director of World Vision Cambodia, emphasized the project’s transformative ambition:
“BASIN goes beyond increasing agricultural productivity. This project is about transforming market systems so that women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized households are no longer left behind, but are recognized as leaders and drivers of inclusive, climate-resilient value chains. Through inclusive markets, gender-transformative approaches, and strong partnerships, we are building sustainable pathways for long-term resilience, equity, and locally led climate action across the Mekong subregion.”
Strong Partnership with the Australian Government
Ms. Nikki Wright, First Secretary (Development), Australian Embassy, Thailand, highlighted Australia’s commitment to sustainable development in the Mekong subregion:
“Australia is proud to support initiatives like BASIN through the Mekong-Australia Partnership, to enhance climate resilience, promote inclusive economic development, and advance gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion. This activity reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that growth in the Mekong subregion is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by the voices and priorities of local communities.”
Provincial Leadership and Ownership
The Deputy Governor of Kratie Province, His Excellency Hang Chandy, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed provincial support for BASIN’s implementation:
“Agriculture is the backbone of Kratie’s economy, but our farmers face increasing climate risks and market challenges. BASIN brings timely support by linking farmers to markets, promoting climate-smart practices, and ensuring women and persons with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from economic growth. The provincial administration strongly supports this project and will work closely with partners to ensure its success.”
Aligning with National Agricultural Priorities
Her Excellency, Chan Phalleon, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) highlighted the project’s alignment with national strategies:
“BASIN aligns well with Cambodia’s agricultural development priorities, particularly in promoting climate-smart agriculture, strengthening agricultural cooperatives, and improving value chain competitiveness. We welcome BASIN’s focus on inclusive market systems and its strong emphasis on women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion.”
ENDS
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
The Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP), launched in 2020, responds to shared regional and transboundary challenges to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Mekong subregion. Australia engages pragmatically and flexibly in support of the subregion's priorities and where Australia can add value. Australia works with Mekong partners to improve water security and climate change resilience; counter and disrupt transnational crime; enhance economic resilience and subregional integration; build leadership and skills through scholarships and short courses; and support inclusive development, including gender quality and disability equity.
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Pisey Sar, Senior Public Engagement specialist
Email: pisey_sar@wvi.org
Tel: 085 605 069