Sustainable financing for community fisheries in Cambodia

These 516 CFis have a total of 332,168 members (35% female) and 4,497 elected CFi committee members (16% female). An assessment of CFi effectiveness conducted by the FiA in 2018 showed that only 9% of CFis nationally were well-performing. This had increased to 39% by 2022. However, CFis continue to face challenges, notably weak law enforcement and insufficient income to cover core management costs.

To address the financing gap, IUCN and Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA) have since 2021 established mini-trust funds (MTFs) in 18 CFis in Stung Treng Province. These CFis have a total of 6,400 members (47% female) from 3,000 families and represent about one-third of the 53 CFis in the province.

The total capital invested in MTFs to date is $169,000 with at least $5,000 in each community. The MTF is a sustainable financing mechanism that generates the communities' monthly income to protect fish stocks and invest in livelihood improvements. Each MTF uses the same term sheet that specifies who can withdraw income and how it should be used.

A recent impact assessment conducted by IUCN, CEPA, and Stung Treng FiA Cantonment concluded that CFis have effectively used MTF income to implement their management plans. The CFi committees that manage the income have strictly followed the MTF rules and regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability. They have consistently recorded income and expenditure. Regular financial reports have kept community members informed and engaged.

The MTF has brought many benefits to the communities. It provides a reliable income stream that is used to pay for patrols to protect fish stocks. No scientific study has been done, but of the 18 CFis visited, 15 moderately agreed, and three strongly agreed that fish stocks and catch had increased because of better protection.

A CFi patrol team conducts daily patrols to prevent illegal fishing © CEPA

The MTFs have also encouraged more active community participation in fisheries management. Giving the CFi committees the responsibility for deciding how the income is used has cultivated a sense of ownership and empowerment, leading to more effective fisheries management. Some of the larger and more capable communities have used the MTF interest to provide additional funding for community credit and savings groups, which provide higher returns at higher risk.

Koh Kang CFi in the town of Stung Treng manages an MTF that was established in 2021 with a total capital of $10,000. By 2023, the CFi had received $2,285 in interest, which it has used to protect a 3.4-hectare deep pool where broodstock congregate during the dry season. 45% of the interest was spent on patrols, 25% on community credit, 10% on supplies, 10% on supporting patrols in a neighboring CFi, 5% on monthly meetings, and 5% on MTF operations. Koh Kang needs $82/month for patrols and meetings of which the MTF contributes 46%. 54% comes from the community box, membership fees, charity donations, and support from CEPA.

Koh Kang CFi believes that the success of the MTF depends on strong management, internal unity, clear roles and responsibilities, robust support from commune councilors, and monitoring by NGOs. Building trust among CFi members through an AGM is essential. These meetings are opportunities to share financial results and demonstrate accountability both among community members and with external stakeholders.

MTF success in Stung Treng is an inspiring example of how communities can be empowered to better manage their fisheries. The next challenge is to expand this model along the Mekong River and beyond with continued support from donors and NGOs.

To download the report on evaluating the impact of Mini Trust Funds on community fisheries management in Stung Treng Province, click HERE.