Project Closing Workshop: Strengthening Toul Neang Sav Plov Loung CPA Conservation and Livelihoods

By San Sineang

On 31 August 2026, NatureLife Cambodia organized a Project Closing Workshop and Handover Ceremony at Toul Neang Sav Plov Loung Community Protected Area (CPA), Stung Sen Ramsar site, Kampong Thom Province. The workshop brought together 26 participants (10 women), including Phat Sanday Community Council, village chiefs, rangers, CPA committees, Tonle Fish committees and members, Saving group and Women Patrol Group to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned from “Scale Up Tonle Fish Project at Toul Neang Sav Plov Loung CPA Project” supported by UNDP GEF SGP and to discuss how the CPA can sustain its work beyond the project period.

Over the project period, important achievements were made in community-led conservation, sustainable livelihoods, savings, and women’s leadership, including:

Expanding Tonle Fish and improving practices closely links with conservation criteria from 35 to 45 members, including 35 women with a water filtration system and facilities​ for better hygiene and standard operation​.

Generating income of USD 6,300 from Tonle Fish Production and contributing of USD 30 over 10 months for CPA management and conservation

Increasing saving group and a capital of USD 13,000 to support members with household and livelihood needs.

Promoting gender awareness to 113 CPA members, including 76 women, through awareness and training for gender equality and women’s leadership.

Building a 2,000-metre firebreak and installing 62 artificial fish refuges at conservation pools to protect community natural resources and conservation.

As part of the closing event, NatureLife Cambodia handed over project equipment and capital to the CPA, including fish-processing facilities, boats and engines, communication equipment, solar equipment, water tanks, and other project assets. US$4,000 was provided to the fish-processing group and US$1,000 to the savings group as saving capital.

Reflecting on the project, Mrs. Hun Chengkea, Toul Neang Sav Plov Loung CPA, highlighted the growing role of women in community leadership, noting that women are now actively leading and participating in the savings, fish-processing, gender, and women patrol groups.

The closing workshop marked an important milestone—but more importantly, it strengthened the foundation for community ownership and continued action for conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

NatureLife Cambodia remains committed to working with the CPA and partners to protect the valuable ecosystems of Stung Sen Ramsar Site while supporting resilient and sustainable local livelihoods.