May 25, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has been recognised as the world’s top-ranked country for natural environment in 2026, a milestone officials say reflects decades of conservation efforts, biodiversity protection and environmental governance following years of post-war recovery.
The announcement was highlighted during a Siamese crocodile release ceremony at the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province on May 22, where Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atitya described the recognition as a “historic achievement” for Cambodia.
“When the results were announced, I got goosebumps,” he said during remarks at the event.
“This is not something easy to achieve, and it has never happened before for Cambodia. It reflects the long-term efforts of the Royal Government and all stakeholders in protecting our natural resources and environment,” he added.
The recognition was based on global rankings and surveys conducted by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated more than 100 countries using data from international institutions, environmental organisations and governance assessments.
Atitya noted that Cambodia scored highly in three major areas: natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, environmental quality and sustainable land-use planning.
“Cambodia has expanded protected areas from 23 sites in 1993 to 73 protected areas today, while conservation land has increased from about two million hectares to around seven million hectares,” he said.
He credited the environmental policies introduced under former prime minister and current Senate president Hun Sen and continued under Prime Minister Hun Manet through phase one of his government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which emphasises environmental sustainability, green growth and natural resource protection.
He said Cambodia’s environmental ranking was also driven by efforts to curb pollution, improve air quality and strengthen participation from local communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
“When forests are protected, air quality improves as well,” Atitya said. “Clean land, clean water and clean air are all connected to environmental protection.”
The remarks came as conservation authorities released 10 purebred Siamese crocodiles into the Srepok River inside the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a broader species recovery programme led by the environment ministry, WWF-Cambodia, Fauna & Flora and other partners.
The critically endangered Siamese crocodile is considered one of the rarest crocodilian species in the world, with fewer than 1,000 believed to remain in the wild globally. Cambodia is home to more than 300 individuals, making the Kingdom one of the species’ most important remaining strongholds.
Conservationists described the crocodiles as important “ecosystem engineers” that help maintain balance in freshwater habitats and serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
The 10 crocodiles released — nine females and one male aged between two and three years— were bred from genetically pure stock at a conservation breeding centre in Phnom Tamao before undergoing health and genetic screening ahead of release.
Authorities selected the Srepok river system after years of ecological studies confirmed the continued presence of wild crocodiles and suitable habitat conditions, including deep-water pools, flooded forests and stable food sources.
Atitya said the crocodile release programme reflected Cambodia’s broader commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
“Environmental issues are not only the responsibility of the ministry, WWF or any single institution,” he explained, adding “They are global issues that require all of us to work together.”
He warned that climate change, pollution, deforestation and unsustainable human activities continue to place increasing pressure on natural ecosystems worldwide.
Cambodia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2035 under its updated climate commitments submitted to the UN in 2025, according to the ministry.
Atitya said continued investment in conservation and ecosystem restoration would not only protect endangered wildlife but also support livelihoods, ecotourism and long-term sustainable development.
“We are protecting these natural resources not only for today, but for future generations and for humanity as a whole,” he said.
According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cambodia also achieved the distinction of being ranked as the number one country globally for Land & Resource Sustainability.
This top-tier position highlights the nation’s commitment to managing its natural assets effectively and maintaining environmental balance on a global scale, noted the ministry.
Within the Southeast Asian region, Cambodia maintains its leadership, significantly outpacing its neighbours in sustainable practices.
While other nations in the region are working toward their own environmental goals, Cambodia’s status as the top-ranked country in Southeast Asia underscores its current prominence in prioritising the longevity and health of its land and resources.