Strengthening sustainable freshwater fisheries management in Cambodia

The workshop highlighted significant progress in strengthening community-led freshwater fisheries management in nine provinces in the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River landscapes. Discussion focused on progress review, lessons learned, and priorities for project implementation.

The workshop was presided over by Mr. Ouk Vibol, Director of the Department of Fisheries Conservation of the General Directorate of Fisheries under Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); Mr. Hong Chamnan, Director of the Department of Freshwater Wetlands Conservation under the Ministry of Environment; and Mr. Sorn Pheakdey, Head of IUCN Cambodia. Fifty representatives joined the event from government agencies, Community Fisheries (CFis), Community-Protected Area (CPA), CSOs, CI, WCS, WorldFish, Fauna & Flora, and NatureLife Cambodia. 

Running from November 2023 to October 2027, the project is designed to strengthen the capacity of three CSOs, 20 CFis and one CPA. Midterm results show moderate to good performance in all CFis. Three CSOs were assessed as having strong institutional capacity to support community-based fisheries management. Around 20 communities, 390 participants including over 120 women, have been trained in leadership, governance, financial management, fisheries law, conservation practices, and monitoring. These efforts have led to stronger community institutions, improved by-laws and management plans, enhanced leadership capacity, and greater women engagement in decision-making.

The project has achieved tangible conservation and livelihood benefits by strengthening and conserving 23 fish conservation areas (FCAs), covering more than 1,500 hectares, and safeguarding more than 32,000 hectares of community fishing grounds. 14 out of 20 CFis have received 145 FCA demarcation markers, 44 signboards, 925 fish attraction devices, and six renovated community offices. Sustainable financing has expanded using sub-grants to seven CFis to enhance community institution and scale up women-led business group (handicrafts, fish processing, ecotourism). Six communities strengthened their mini trust funds (MTF) with total value of more than $48,000, five communities expanded CFi credits (savings groups) valued at over $36,000, contributing to the implementation of CFi management plans.

Participants at the exhibition booth showcasing the project’s results © IUCN Cambodia

The MTF assessment showed a 35% increase in the value of funds, with 94% of participating communities using them to support fisheries patrol activities. The assessment also recorded a 83% increase in community participation and an 89% increase in trust among members. The MTF model has been replicated in three CPAs in Koh Kong Province.

At the workshop, Ouk Vibol emphasized that fish catch had increased by 10% compared with the previous year and the newFisheries Law provides a stronger framework for sustainable fisheries governance. He called on all stakeholders to raise awareness and disseminate information about the new law to ensure effective implementation at the community level. Describing the new law as “a game changer”, he urged stronger enforcement at the community level to protect FCAs, suppress illegal fishing, and boost national food security.

Hong Chamnan underscored the importance of the Environment and Natural Resources Code as a cornerstone for sustainable management of Cambodia’s wetlands and freshwater ecosystems. He encouraged wider dissemination and application of the code to strengthen biodiversity conservation and promote responsible natural resource management.

"We must enhance the financial sustainability of fishing communities both CFis and CPAs to ensure long-term conservation outcomes. This means promoting community-based enterprises and business-oriented CFis linked to FCAs, fully aligned with the forthcoming Agricultural Cooperative Law", shared Sorn Pheakdey.

Despite these successes, challenges remain including limited financing for CFis, illegal fishing, climate impacts, shifting policies, and gaps in financial and digital literacy. The workshop highlighted the continued need for capacity building, sustainable financing, peer learning, inclusive participation of women and youth, and strong multistakeholder collaboration. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to double down on these efforts during the remaining project period. The goal is to scale up community led approaches for stronger freshwater fisheries governance, healthier aquatic ecosystems, and more resilient livelihoods.