Sharing Experiences Between Tonle Sap & Lower Mekong Communities

In late July 2025, NatureLife Cambodia brought together two remarkable communities for a two-day study visit — connecting the Tuol Neang Sav Plov Loung Community Protected Area (CPA) of Stung Sen Ramsar Site (Tonle Sap) with the Crane Rice Committee and Savings Group at Anlung Pring Protected Landscape (Lower Mekong).

Hosted at the Crane Rice Facility in Anlung Pring Village, Kampong Trach District, the event gathered 20 participants, including 8 inspiring women leaders.

Over two days, participants exchanged valuable knowledge and hands-on experiences on:

✅ Integrating gender equality into community activities

✅ Strengthening and managing savings groups

✅ Improving governance for long-term community sustainability

✅ Boosting collaboration for biodiversity conservation in both Tonle Sap & Lower Mekong

The Tuol Neang Sav Plov Loung CPA explored Crane Rice’s biodiversity-friendly rice production and visited rice storage facilities and paddy fields within the protected landscape. In return, the Crane Rice Committee learned about the Tonle Fish scheme, gaining insights on fisheries management and community-based conservation.

A special highlight was the women’s participation session led by Ms. Hun Chhengkea, CPA Chairperson and gender trainer. She inspired participants by sharing the importance of recognizing the difference between sex and gender, identifying barriers women face, and promoting opportunities such as:

-Leading savings groups

-Engaging in Tonle Fish processing groups

-Joining women’s patrol teams

-Becoming gender trainers

By the end of the visit, six volunteer focal points were chosen to continue spreading these lessons and inspire action across Anlung Pring’s Crane Rice scheme and savings group.

This exchange was more than just a learning trip — it was about building stronger communities, empowering women, and protecting Cambodia’s rich biodiversity together