10-Year Management Plan for Boeng Tonle Chhmar Ramsar Site Reaches Final Review Stage

By San Sineang

On 28 September 2026, NatureLife Cambodia, in collaboration with the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation and Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment, organized the final consultation meeting on the “Development of the Management Plan for Boeng Tonle Chhmar Ramsar Site.” The meeting aimed to review, discuss, and gather final inputs from relevant stakeholders to further strengthen the 10-year management plan before it is submitted for approval and official implementation.

The meeting was led and facilitated by Mr. Hong Chamnan, Director of the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation, Ministry of Environment, with the participation of Mr. Pen Thearath, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment, and Mr. Bou Vorsak, Chief Executive Officer of NatureLife Cambodia. A total of 38 participants, including 7 women, attended the meeting, representing Kampong Thom Provincial Administration, Siem Reap Provincial Department of Environment, Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, rangers, Fisheries Administration, Stoung District Administration, commune councils, Community Protected Areas, Fisheries Communities, and Fishing Cat Company.

To ensure that the management plan responds effectively to the actual conditions and needs of the site, participants were divided into three discussion groups to review and provide detailed inputs on the programmes, sub-programmes, and key clusters of activities outlined in the 10-year management plan. The inputs and recommendations from the discussions will be compiled, reviewed, and incorporated into the draft management plan for further refinement before it is submitted for approval and official implementation.

Boeung Tonle Chhmar Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance and one of the core areas of Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. It plays an important role in providing habitat and food sources for a wide range of biodiversity of conservation importance. Key threatened and conservation-significant species include Giant Barb, Mekong Giant Catfish, Mask finfoot, White-winged duck, Greater Adjutant, Stork, Fishing Cat, Hairy-nosed Otter, Smooth-coated Otter, Silvered Langur, and Long-tailed Macaque, all of which require effective protection and management. Beyond its biodiversity value, Boeng Tonle Chhmar ecosystem is also highly important to Cambodia’s national economy and the livelihoods of local communities. Its natural resources provide food, income, and livelihood opportunities for many people living in and around Tonle Sap lake.

This 10-year management plan will serve as a roadmap for strengthening site management, conserving biodiversity, protecting natural resources, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources within Boeng Tonle Chhmar Ramsar Site.