A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), European Union, and Cambodia Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Fisheries Sector (CAPFISH) steering committee visited communities living around the Tonle Sap Lake to look into developments in education, conservation and efforts to improve the livelihoods of the communities.
The efforts to improve the livelihood of the people around the lake were supported by the EU-funded CAPFISH programme, implemented by Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The CAPFISH Programme Steering Committee includes MAFF and the Ministries of Economic and Finance; Water Resources and Meteorology; Environment; Commerce; and Women’s Affairs.
During the three-day visit last week, the delegation engaged with local communities, preschools, primary and secondary schools, and the local administration in Thnal Chheuteal village and Prek Toal Ramsar Site at the heart of the Tonle Sap biosphere to better understand the programme and the benefits to the local community.
They noted the programme’s beneficial effects on protecting natural resources and enhancing community livelihoods, and they applauded the participating implementing organisations’ cooperative efforts.
The CAPFISH initiative, which focuses on sustainable fisheries, education, access to clean water, cleanliness, and sanitation, has assisted fishing communities in 10 Cambodian provinces, including four on the coast and six that border the Tonle Sap Lake.
The programme aims for a resilient and inclusive development of Cambodia’s fisheries sector.
MAFF Secretary of State Khun Savoeun said the ministry was pleased to note the positive impact of the EU-funded projects in the Tonle Sap area implemented by Oxfam, Save the Children and WCS Cambodia.
“It was an insightful visit to see the impact of these projects on local communities and natural resource management. We commend the collaborative effort of all the stakeholders and reiterate our commitment to working together to address the challenges in the region.
“We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the European Union for supporting the biggest programme ever in developing the fisheries sector in Cambodia,” he said.
Koen Everaert, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU to Cambodia, said the CAPFISH initiative is dedicated to collaborating with MAFF and partners in civil society to assist the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and environmental preservation in the Kingdom.
“The EU’s funded projects in the Tonle Sap area exemplify our shared vision of promoting good practices both in protecting nature and improving the living standard of local communities. This is the largest fisheries programme funded by the EU globally, that could be one of the trendsetters in this area,” he said.
Phean Sophoan, Oxfam National Director, has said that the EU-funded FOSTER project has empowered over 5,833 marginalised children.
She noted that the project has established 14 Community Green Business Hubs, impacting 1,739 households, and launched the Tonle Sap Eco-Tourism Network (TEN) to support community fisheries to generate alternative income through tourism.
Alistair Mould, WCS Country Director, said, “Our ‘Our Tonle Sap’ project has reduced illegal fishing and supported climate-smart activities like SMART petrol, sustainable rice platform, tree planting, fire management and reforestation for fishing conservation, which has contributed to a decrease in illegal fishing in five provinces around the lake”.
Hong Reaksmey, Country Director of Save the Children, said: “Our EU-funded GREEN project has improved access to water and sanitation for 647 households and educational facilities for over 4,500 students.”