Phalla Chem
PhD Candidate
Madsen Building (F09), Room 434
Phone: +61 2 9351 8093
Fax: +61 2 9036 6588
Email:
Supervisor
Prof Phil Hirsch
Research
Thesis Title: Integrated catchment management in the context of irrigation development: the role of hydrological analysis in managing conflict, maximising benefit-sharing and promoting social equity
Phalla Chem has worked with the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in Cambodia for the Water Resources Management Research Capacity Development Programme (WRMRCDP), funded by AusAID since 2007. His background is water resources engineering with related research in water resources management and development. His previous research focused on water resources management to improve the use and governance of water resources to increase agricultural production and sustainable use of natural resources in Cambodia. His research interests include water resources, irrigation, urban stormwater management and urban drainage. Prior to joining CDRI, Phalla worked as freelance consultant to various World Bank funded projects in the water sector, notably as National Consultant to Royal Government of Cambodia’s Seila Programme (Currently named NCDD) under the Rural Investment and Local Governance Project (RILGP) on Strengthening Capacity for Small Scale Irrigation Design that was implemented through the Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC), national consultant to Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (FERP), implemented through the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM).
Phalla Chem holds a Masters of Engineering Degree in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of South Australia (2000) and Diploma of Civil Engineering from Institute of Technology of Cambodia (1994). Currently, Phalla is doing research for his Doctor of Philosophy on the topic of Integrated Catchment Management in the Context of Irrigation Development: the Role of Hydrological Analysis in Management of Conflict, Maximising Benefit-Sharing and Promoting Social Equity. His research commenced in first semester 2008 and, based on hydrological analysis and existing institutional management arrangement, explores whether it is possible to improve the current problems of catchment-level water management including (i) water allocation within and between schemes and (ii) coordination between communities in upstream and in downstream areas with regard to water allocation. Based on these understandings using participatory approaches this research will propose principles of water allocation between schemes to improve the sustainable use and management of water resources in Cambodian catchments.