Story contributed by Renz Prudenciado and Chandara Phat, AIT ReTrEAT Cities project.
10 October 2025 — Researchers from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) conducted a participatory workshop in Kampot Province, Cambodia, from October 7 to 8, 2025. The event gathered representatives from provincial departments, local authorities, NGOs, civil society, academia, and community members. The activity was part of the Resettlement, Transformation, and Eco-Adaptation Typology (ReTrEAT Cities and Communities) project, which promotes co-produced knowledge on urban and community resilience amid rising sea levels.
The workshop highlighted the inclusion of women’s voices and aspirations in local decision-making around sea-level rise and adaptation planning. “Cambodia marks another milestone in the ReTrEAT Cities series. It’s inspiring to see young leaders recognizing women’s agency in sea-level rise discussions,” said Dr. Malay Pramanik, Project Lead and Chair of AIT’s Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS) program.
Dr Malay Pramanik shares the overview of the ReTrEAT Cities framework and goals with participants.
The Cambodia ReTrEAT Cities project is a partnership between AIT and the Master of Science in Climate Change Program at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), led by Prof. Seak Sophat, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Development Studies and an AIT alumnus.
“These workshops have provided unprecedented opportunities for coastal communities, government officials, and NGOs to learn about climate change and sea-level rise,” Prof. Sophat said. “Participant inputs are helping us build scientific evidence for project outputs.”
Prof. Seak Sophat opens the workshop with his welcoming remarks, during which he highlights key project findings.
Social Inclusion and Interfaith Collaboration
The workshop emphasized gender equality, inclusion, and interfaith collaboration as key pillars of community resilience. “Young people like me are among those most vulnerable to sea-level rise,” shared Miss Kheng China, an early-career scholar from Trapeang Sangkae Community Fisheries.
“As a Muslim woman, I believe our faith’s call to be stewards of the Earth obliges us to collaborate across religions. The participation of diverse faith groups makes these discussions more productive”, added Miss Lim Harasi from Trapeang Thum Village.
Miss Renz Prudenciado, ReTrEAT Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Lead and PhD scholar at AIT, opened the session with an interactive discussion on gender and resilience. “Gender is not only about women, but about how everyone’s roles and relationships influence how the self and community learn to adapt and thrive amid change,” she emphasized.
Dr. Priya Singh, Postdoctoral Researcher at AIT’s Centre on Gender and Forced Displacement (funded by IDRC), praised the initiative: “ReTrEAT unifies diverse perspectives and aspirations, showing how collective engagement can drive climate action.”
During the closing session, participants reflected on the urgency of involving local people in coastal resilience efforts and the importance of open dialogue on sea-level rise. Many recognized how these discussions connect global challenges to their own experiences and highlighted women’s leadership as vital to inclusive climate action.
Miss Renz Prudenciado asks the audience to share their key learnings from the two-day workshop, with translation by Mr Chandara Phat.
Two Shores, Two Futures: What a Cambodian Mangrove Village Teaches Us
A field visit offered a vivid lesson in resilience. On one side of the river, thick mangroves thrived, restored by local communities rebuilding both land and livelihood. On the other, cleared soil awaited development. The stark contrast revealed how collaboration can heal ecosystems while neglect leaves them vulnerable.
“In this place of rich beauty, I was reminded of deeper questions,” reflected Dr. Singh. “Who is asked to protect the environment, and who is permitted to define its future?”
Looking Ahead
For many participants, the workshop marked their first opportunity to engage in discussions on sea-level rise.
“At 63, this is the first time I have been part of such a conversation,” said Mr. Ron Matdot from Kampong Kaes Village. “I hope our inputs reach policymakers so our realities can shape future plans.”
Community members also raised aspirations for better safety, digital infrastructure, and relocation planning to address climate risks. Currently, Cambodia lacks an official resettlement plan for coastal areas affected by sea-level rise.
Three other AIT representatives helped facilitate the sessions: Mr Chandara Phat, PhD candidate in Climate Change and Sustainable Development; Mr Sothearith Sok, Master’s student in UIS; and Ms Syifa Nasution, Outreach Officer at CGFD.
Building Climate-Ready Communities
The ReTrEAT Cities initiative continues to advocate for climate-informed urban and community planning and inclusive dialogue across the Mekong region, especially in the context of sea-level rise, emphasising that resilience begins with recognition. The project is part of the Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Edited by Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Photos by Sothearith Sok and Renz Prudenciado
