Cambodian People’s Party: What is its Effect on Cambodia’s Environment?

ckinitiative
Jul 22, 2025
4 min read

Credits: Christal Mathew (Climate Researcher)

Introduction

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation with a population of 17.4 million people, has been through severe weather issues. From past historic events, the Cambodian People’s Party has been ruling Cambodia since 1979. Ever since then, the Cambodian People’s Party has impacted Cambodian people in several ways. This includes limiting their Civil Liberties, impacting different minorities, and especially damaging the environment.

This is a major concern for all. Cambodian people have been suffering a lot ecologically. They face severe climate injustice, as they need their agriculture; they have no choice in enduring floods, droughts, and hot temperatures. With the issues of their climate, how does the Cambodian People’s Party environmentally affect citizens in Cambodia?

Background

Since 1951, the Cambodian political party has been known as the ‘Kampuchean People’s Revolutionary Party’ (KPRP). They were initially rooted in Marxist-Leninism and communist ideologies, but then became more reformist under Heng Samarin (President of the National Assembly of Cambodia). Then, from the final year of the State of Cambodia, they soon adopted the new name ‘Cambodian People’s Party’ (CPP). From this, they have then left the Marxist-Leninist and one-party system. Ever since then, the Cambodian People’s Party gained 7 million people ot havea membership within their party, making it one of the largest political parties.

Present-Day Effects

From today, the citizens of Cambodia are being impacted by the political party, CPP. From the government, many accuse other businesses being affiliated with CPP, to grow from a compromise of their land. This means that the rate of deforestation in Cambodia increases significantly. According to Amnesty International, there has been a significant amount of deforestation, losing about 64% of their trees since 2011. This heavily impacted their own environment, due to the CPP.

Another thing that heavily impacts the environment of Cambodia through CPP is that they continue to support destructive projects. CPP continues to support the funding towards projects like filling lakes, dams, and more. From an activist from an award-winning environmental group, who seeks to speak out for the Mother Nature of Cambodia, they create a video to speak about it. The video, ‘The Clearing’ from Mongabay, includes a message: “They are called Mother Nature Cambodia and have successfully stopped major projects, including the construction of a dam and the export of sand from coastal estuaries. They operate in a tough political climate, in what is essentially an authoritarian state. This work has come at a cost, with 11 of their activists jailed and dozens arrested over the years…” From these activists who live in Cambodia, it’s clear how their government started these major projects, and they had no remorse for their environment.

Systems of Injustice

From Hun Sen, who was the former prime minister, had passed down its premiership to his son. It's clear how this particular role will continue to be in their hands, and will just be passed down. As Cambodia continues to be a single-party state, and has controlled elections. With the CPP, they are the ones controlling all the state institutions, even the judiciary. Yet, this government continues to harass those who are critics of the Cambodian government, even those from other countries. They heavily restrict the freedom of expression amongst the citizens and peaceful assembly.

With those who try to speak up for their human rights, authorities will arrest them. Those trying to speak out about the environment of Cambodia simply get detained and arrested for just speaking out. From the activities mentioned before, the one group created a film to peacefully speak out. They have been arrested and face about seven years in jail. Due to their government and more, citizens of Cambodia will continue to have a difficult time in protecting their environment, and speaking about overall issues in Cambodia.

People of Cambodia supporting Cambodian environmental advocacy group

Solutions / Calls To Action

In such difficult times for Cambodia, there are several things that we can do to help out. One thing many can do is to donate towards different organizations. Many organizations accept donations on behalf of different struggles within Cambodia. One thing can be donating towards the children of Cambodia. This is important because they will be the future for that country, but will need funds for education, living environment, and more. Donations towards clean water, medical aid, and such are also accepted for Cambodia through other organizations. This is highly important because from their living conditions, it’s hard for them.

Another thing that many can do is volunteer. There are many volunteering opportunities in support of Cambodia. There are many in focus of helping medically and educationally, but there are still tons of different ways to help.

Lastly, spreading awareness and supporting them is something that can make a significant difference in their lives. Spreading awareness throughout social media, schools, and more can make such a difference. This is beneficial to make change within their conditions, and even government.

Conclusion

Overall, Cambodia struggles a lot environmentally due to the Cambodian People’s Party. They face a lot of severe weather issues, and the main causes come from CPP. Due to their deforestation, destructive projects, and a lot of more things, they continue to ruin the environment of Cambodia. Their form of government disables many rights for citizens of Cambodia, with the for speak out against their policies. It seems as if they are hopeless, but there are many things we can do to support them. Donating, volunteering, and spreading awareness are main factors in making a difference for their country. Cambodia faces climate injustice, and we must try to help.

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