Revitalizing Boeung Tonle Chhmar in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia through ecosystem approach to fisheries management and co-management

Abstract

SEAFDEC/TD has long promoted the concepts of ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) and co-management, particularly for coastal small-scale fisheries, across the SEAFDEC Member Countries. These approaches aim to achieve sustainable development by balancing ecological well-being with human well-being and enhancing the governance framework through decision making processes and stakeholders’ participation. For inland fisheries, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia was selected as the pilot site for the first application of EAFM and co-management in inland fisheries due to its unique and dynamic ecosystem. Supporting one of the most productive freshwater fisheries, Tonle Sap Lake plays a significant role in the livelihoods of local communities. The lessons learned from applying inland EAFM and co-management will contribute to developing scalable and replicable models for inland fisheries management in other areas.

Regarding the Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2030 (RES&POA-2030) on Resolution No. 6, POA No. 14 and 15 emphasize implementing effective management and promoting co-management to improve social and economic benefits to all stakeholders. Also, POA No. 70 recommends strengthening best practices that enhance fish processing, handling, and marketing in small-scale fisheries. In this regard, SEAFDEC/TD implemented the project “Small-scale Fisheries Management for Better Livelihood and Fisheries Resources” to strengthen human capability in support of the implementation of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication or SSF Guidelines by promoting EAFM and co-management to improve livelihood and well-being of small-scale fishers. The Project was supported by the Japanese Trust Fund 6-2 and implemented in 2020–2024.