Stakeholder Forum Continues to Strengthen Collaboration at Stung Sen Ramsar Site

On 5 August 2026, the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation of Ministry of Environment and Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment jointly organized the 6th Stakeholder Forum on “Collaborative Management of Natural Resources at Stung Sen Ramsar Site ” at Phat Sanday station within Stung Sen Ramsar Site, Kampong Thom Province. The forum was organized in collaboration with NatureLife Cambodia and supported financially by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

The Stakeholder Forum was established in 2022 and has been convened every six months to provide a platform for key stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned; discuss challenges; strengthen collaboration; and develop joint action plans for the sustainable management of the site. The forum brings together representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment, local authorities, rangers, law enforcement agencies, Military Region 4 forces, Community Protected Areas (CPAs), Community Fisheries (CFis), and civil society organizations.

The 6th forum was facilitated by Mr. Hong Channan, Director of the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation, with Mr. Oung Bunthoeun, Director of the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Environment, and Mr. Bou Vorsak, Executive Director of NatureLife Cambodia, serving as presiding representatives. A total of 29 key stakeholders, including three women, participated in the forum.

Participants reviewed progress in implementing the action plan agreed upon during the 5th forum and shared updates on conservation and site management activities undertaken to date. Key discussions focused on illegal activities, community management, fish conservation pools, environmental education and awareness, women’s participation, community livelihoods, collaboration and communication, as well as opportunities for future support and networking. Participants also identified priority challenges and developed a joint action plan for implementation over the next six months.

In addition, NatureLife Cambodia shared information on new project activities planned for Stung Sen Ramsar Site, which aim to strengthen continued collaboration, expand the stakeholder network, and contribute to improved conservation and sustainable management of the site.

The Stakeholder Forum will continue to serve as an important mechanism for building partnerships, strengthening communication, and promoting collective action among stakeholders to protect and conserve Stung Sen Ramsar Site and its natural resources.