Four EU-funded projects to support fishing communities in Tonle Sap and coastal provinces launched

Click HERE for press release in Khmer

Phnom Penh, 27 October 2021: Today, the EU Delegation to Cambodia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, formally launched, with WCS, Oxfam, Aide et Action, and Save the Children, four EU-funded projects to support green growth, jobs creation, social services, and better protection of natural resources for the fishing communities in 10 Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve and coastal provinces.

Attending today the joint virtual launching workshop were around 320 participants from line Ministries, provincial authorities, fisheries technical working group, fishing communities, NGOs including the co-implementing partners, EU Member States, and other development partners.

Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Cambodia, Bryan Fornari, said: “CAPFISH is the EU’s largest bilateral programmes in Cambodia to support the Royal Government to achieve sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive growth of the fisheries sector. In partnership with the Fisheries Administration and our implementing partners, today’s launch of the 4 projects is an important milestone for COVID recovery in the region, bringing new economic opportunities and better livelihood for over fifty thousand households. Our partnership with the Fisheries Administration will make this possible”.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia under the representation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to the European Union for supporting the biggest programme ever in developing fisheries sector in Cambodia.’’ said H.E Poum Sotha, Director General of Fisheries Administration.

“Save the Children is really excited to work with partners, local communities and authorities to support the socio-economic development of vulnerable fishing communities in the East Tonle Sap, especially to promote the adoption of green economy initiatives and environmental good practices, while supporting children and families access quality, inclusive and safe education and water, sanitation and waste management services” said Mrs. Pearce.

Sophoan Phean, Cambodia National Director of Oxfam, said that “The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve is heavily threatened by climate change, leading to reduced fish supply, and that has direct impact on the socio-economic development of the fishing community. Oxfam believes the FOSTER project’s support to sustainable livelihoods of the communities will lead to positive social and economic impacts.”

Mr. Vorn Samphors, Aide et Action Cambodia Country director said ‘CO-SAVED Cambodia, is a multi-stakeholder partnership among the private sector, government, and civil society to drive progress toward the sustainable development goals. We’re committed to empowering 382,650 Cambodian citizens in coastal communities to form lasting partnerships for inclusive green economic growth, quality service delivery in Education and WASH, and sustainable livelihoods.’

“Our Tonle Sap is important for biodiversity, fisheries, livelihoods, well-being and culture. However, our lake is rapidly disappearing owing to climate change, damming for hydropower, and diversion of tributaries for agricultural irrigation. We must seize the opportunity to build resilience in ecosystems, communities, and biodiversity to avoid a human and ecological catastrophe’’ said Sereyrotha Ken Ph.D., Country Program Director, Wildlife Conservation Society.