ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the social, environmental and economic implications and challenges at the national and local levels from Cambodia's first large hydropower dam, the Kamchay Dam. It also discusses the governance arrangements between Chinese dam-builders and financiers, who funded and built the Kamchay Dam, and the Cambodian government in terms of compensation, environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures, mitigation and consultations regarding the development and operation of the Kamchay Dam. The Kamchay Dam is located in Bokor National Park. Access to electricity is also one of the most important concerns of the affected communities in the dam area. Most of the electricity generated at the Kamchay Dam is being used in Phnom Penh, as the capital needs power to generate economic growth. In terms of environmental governance for dams, one issue worth exploring in detail is the Cambodian EIA legislation that requires builders to have proper EIA procedures and mitigation plans in place to safeguard the environment.
