Strengthening conservation in Dong Peng Multiple Use Area

The meeting was designed to: 

• Update conservation and management progress in Dong Peng.

• Share laws and policies regarding MPA management.

• Identify challenges and discuss alternative approaches to address management issues.

Thirty-eight participants attended from six Community Protected Area (CPA) communities, NGOs, rangers, Provincial Department of Environment (PDoE), commune chiefs, district officials, and MoE representatives. The meeting was chaired by the Director of the Department of Coastal Zone and Marine Conservation (DCZMC) of MoE and the Sre Ambel District Governor.

At the meeting, NGOs provided updates on conservation and community development activities in Dong Peng. MoE shared relevant legal frameworks and regulations, while commune chiefs presented their community development plans. Community representatives reported on conservation challenges, including unclear CPA boundaries, land encroachment, illegal fishing, economic land concessions, and very limited resources. Participants discussed ways to address these challenges, emphasizing effective stakeholder collaboration. Key actions included strengthening community involvement, reporting community issues to the commune and district authorities, and ensuring that communities can receive timely support from local authorities.

There was a consensus on organising regular coordination meetings to promote progress in the conservation and management of the Dong Peng Multiple Use Area. Participants were enthusiastic to cooperate, recognizing that collective action is essential to achieve conservation success.

Mangroves in Dong Peng MUA, Koh Kong Province, Cambodia © Cambodia MOE