3rd Stakeholder Forum: Enhancing Cooperation for Effective Management of Stung Sen Ramsar Site

On August 21, 2024, NatureLife Cambodia, in collaboration with the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation of the Ministry of Environment, hosted the 3rd Stakeholder Forum on “Strengthening Cooperation for the Protection of Natural Resources in Ramsar Stung Sen.” The event took place at Phat Sanday Commune, Kampong Svay District, Kampong Thom Province.

The forum was a vital platform for discussing the progress and challenges of natural resource management at Stung Sen Ramsar site and for addressing joint cooperation to quickly resolve the challenges. The forum was presided over by Mr. Hong Chamnan, Director of the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation of the Ministry of Environment, and facilitated by Mr. Pen Thearath, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment, Mr. Pen Saveng, Deputy Director of Fisheries Administration, and Mr. Bou Vorsak, CEO of NatureLife Cambodia. Key partners such as Fisheries Alliance Coalition Team (FACT), Fishing Cat Project, Conservation International (CI), Save the Children, VSO Cambodia, as well as local authorities and community representatives, also participated, totaling 37 key stakeholders, including 3 women.

The forum provided an opportunity to share updates on project activities, highlight successful initiatives, and develop joint action plans for natural resource conservation, waste and water management, and improving community livelihoods. Discussions also focused on addressing local fishing offenses, particularly the use of illegal electric shock devices. There was unanimous support from participants to crack down immediately on these offenses by promoting collaboration between local authorities, rangers, fisheries administration, and communities. For educated offenders, the cases should be filed to the court. This action plan received unanimous support from the participants and will be monitored in the next meeting in December 2024.

At the end of the forum, Mr. Hong Chamnan emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and praised the forum as a valuable public platform for stakeholders to address community and environmental concerns in the Stung Sen Ramsar area, including Phat Sanday Commune.

Thanks to the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund for their financial support in making this event possible