The announcement was highlighted during a Siamese crocodile release ceremony at the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province on May 22, where government officials and conservation groups gathered to celebrate both the ranking and a broader wildlife recovery programme.
PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has been ranked the world’s top country for natural environment in 2026, marking a major milestone for a nation that officials say has spent decades rebuilding and protecting its ecosystems after years of post-war recovery.
The recognition, based on global rankings and surveys conducted by U.S. News & World Report, placed Cambodia ahead of more than 100 countries evaluated on environmental governance, biodiversity protection and natural resource management.
Officials described the achievement as unprecedented for Cambodia and linked it to long-term conservation policies, expanded protected areas and growing efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability.
The announcement was highlighted during a Siamese crocodile release ceremony at the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province on May 22, where government officials and conservation groups gathered to celebrate both the ranking and a broader wildlife recovery programme.
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“A Historic Achievement” for Cambodia
Speaking during the event, Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atitya called the ranking a “historic achievement” for the country.
“When the results were announced, I got goosebumps,” Atitya said.
“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.
According to Atitya, Cambodia received strong scores in three key categories: biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, environmental quality and sustainable land-use planning.
The ranking also recognised Cambodia as the number one country globally for Land & Resource Sustainability, highlighting what officials described as the country’s growing role as a regional leader in environmental protection.
Protected Areas Expand From 23 to 73 Sites
Cambodia’s environmental transformation has been closely tied to the expansion of protected areas over the past three decades.
Atitya said protected areas have increased from 23 sites in 1993 to 73 today, while conservation land has expanded from roughly two million hectares to around seven million hectares nationwide.
Officials credited environmental policies introduced under former prime minister and current Senate president Hun Sen and continued under Prime Minister Hun Manet through the first phase of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.
The strategy prioritises environmental sustainability, green growth and long-term natural resource protection as part of Cambodia’s national development agenda.
Forest Protection Linked to Cleaner Air and Water
Government officials also pointed to efforts aimed at reducing pollution, improving air quality and encouraging 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.”
Officials said Cambodia’s environmental governance has increasingly focused on balancing economic growth with ecosystem protection, particularly as climate pressures intensify across Southeast Asia.
Siamese Crocodile Recovery Highlights Conservation Progress
The announcement coincided with the release of 10 purebred Siamese crocodiles into the Srepok River inside the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary.
The release forms part of a broader species recovery programme led by Cambodia’s environment ministry together with WWF-Cambodia, Fauna & Flora and other conservation partners.
The Siamese crocodile is considered one of the world’s rarest crocodilian species, with fewer than 1,000 believed to remain in the wild globally.
Cambodia is home to more than 300 individuals, making the country one of the species’ most important remaining habitats.
Conservationists describe the species as an important “ecosystem engineer” that helps maintain ecological balance in freshwater systems while also serving as an indicator of environmental health.
Ecological Studies Identified Suitable Habitat
The crocodiles released into the sanctuary consisted of nine females and one male aged between two and three years.
They were bred from genetically pure stock at a conservation breeding centre in Phnom Tamao before undergoing health and genetic screening prior to release.
Authorities selected the Srepok river system after years of ecological studies confirmed the continued presence of wild crocodiles and suitable habitat conditions, including flooded forests, deep-water pools and stable food sources.
Conservation officials say the release programme reflects a broader strategy aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation while improving ecosystem resilience against climate change.
Climate Change and Environmental Pressures Remain a Threat
Despite the global recognition, officials warned that Cambodia — like many countries — continues to face growing environmental pressures.
Atitya said climate change, pollution, deforestation and unsustainable human activities remain major threats to ecosystems around the world.
“Environmental issues are not only the responsibility of the ministry, WWF or any single institution,” he said. “They are global issues that require all of us to work together.”
Cambodia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2035 under updated climate commitments submitted to the United Nations in 2025.
Officials say future investments in conservation and ecosystem restoration will play a critical role not only in protecting endangered species but also in supporting ecotourism, livelihoods and long-term sustainable development.
Cambodia Emerges as Southeast Asia’s Environmental Leader
According to the ministry, Cambodia’s latest ranking places the country ahead of its Southeast Asian neighbours in environmental sustainability and natural resource management.
Officials said the recognition demonstrates Cambodia’s increasing prominence in balancing environmental protection with national development goals.
While countries across the region continue pursuing their own sustainability strategies, Cambodia’s position as the world’s top-ranked country for natural environment and land sustainability signals what officials describe as a growing international recognition of its conservation efforts.
“We are protecting these natural resources not only for today, but for future generations and for humanity as a whole,” Atitya said
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