Cambodia Road Project to Protect Dolphins
The World Bank is highlighting a road construction project in Cambodia designed to protect a local dolphin population while creating jobs. The project involves building a road that improves connectivity without disturbing the dolphins' sensitive habitat, showcasing a focus on sustainable infrastructure.
The project, part of the broader Cambodia Road Connectivity Improvement Project (RCIP), specifically upgraded Provincial Road No. 377 in Kratie province. This region is home to the last remaining population of critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. The initial financing for the RCIP was $100 million, with an additional $35 million approved in March 2024 to cover rising costs and enhance climate resilience measures. A key partner in safeguarding the dolphins was the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the World Bank, and WWF led to special measures during construction near the dolphins' habitat, particularly around the bridge at Chroy Banteay village. To mitigate disturbances to the dolphins' fragile breeding patterns, noise and vibration sensors were installed to monitor the construction's impact. The critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Mekong was estimated at just 89 individuals in 2020. However, conservation efforts and projects like this that minimize habitat disruption have shown positive results. As of November 2025, the number of dolphins had reportedly increased to 111. The road improvement has significantly reduced travel times and transportation costs, which previously hindered access to essential services, especially during the rainy season. The project connects over 2 million people in Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmom, and Kratie provinces to markets, schools, and hospitals. By November 2024, the completed sections of the project had already provided all-season access to 41 economic and human development facilities, including 24 schools and 9 hospitals or health centers. This has benefited approximately 935,770 people, with travel times on the improved national and provincial roads reduced by an average of 20.85%. The construction was undertaken by Chinese contractor Poly Changda Engineering Co., Ltd. The company has experience in building highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects across Asia and Africa. The improved road has not only facilitated local transport but has also made the Kampi dolphin resort more accessible, boosting tourism and the local economy.
