Empowering fishing communities through mini trust funds in the Tonle Sap Lake

In 2019, under IKI Mekong WET, IUCN established five mini trust funds (MTFs) with a total investment of $25,000. These MTFs, supporting two Community Protected Areas (CPA) and three CFis, aim to strengthen co-management, improve local governance, and ensure the long-term protection of fish conservation areas (FCAs). Each community received $5,000, deposited in a bank to generate steady interest income for implementing their activities.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Many communities lack experience with banking procedures and financial management, causing delays in accessing interest to pay for conservation activities. High turnover among MTF committee leaders also causes setbacks, as new leaders require guidance to manage the funds effectively.

A fishing community meeting was organised by IUCN © IUCN Cambodia

Through the EU project “Strengthening CSO capacity to scale up sustainable freshwater fisheries in Cambodia”, implemented by IUCN and the Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT), five fishing communities were trained on the MTF concept and implementation procedures. 

IUCN have helped the five communities to renew their 3-year saving agreements with LOLC bank and all five MTFs are now active. Fifteen committee members (33% female) manage the funds, reflecting the essential women role in both financial management and conservation. The total capital has grown from $25,000 to $28,950, a 15% increase. New fixed term deposits with LOLC bank have annual interest rates of 5.9-6.0%.

Committee members are in front of LOLC bank © IUCN Cambodia

MTF committees have gained essential skills in planning, budgeting, and documentation, critical skills for using the MTF income to implement community action plans. Four of the five communities have used the interest to support conservation activities. For example:

• Toul Neangsav Phlov Loung CPA: $700 to buy a patrol boat.

• Balot CPA: $1,040 to buy a patrol boat engine and pay for commune meetings and daily patrols.

• Phlov Touk CFi: $520 to pay for fish attraction devices, patrols, meetings, and training on reporting and minute taking.

• Kampong Phluk CFi: $1,250 to buy a patrol boat, renovate the patrol station, and buy office materials such as tables, chairs, fans, and solar panels.

In 2024, IUCN published a report on the positive impacts of MTFs in 21 CFis in Stung Treng Province. Similar success in the Tonle Sap Lake shows that when communities are empowered, they can take the lead in conserving and profiting from well managed fisheries.