tonle sap information guide e)aHBum
Published by live & learn environmental education #364, St. Preah Monivong, Phsar Domthkov, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Po Box: 91 Phone: (855) 23 224 053 email: [email protected] http://www.idea.org.au/liveandlearn/ February 2007 This publication forms part of the Tonle Sap environmental Management Project (TSeMP) and National environmental education and Awareness Campaign (NeeAC) Contracted by the Ministry of environment Supported by the Asian Development Bank (loan 1939 CAM (SF)) Written and compiled by: Peter Starr, Introduction by Jady Smith edited by: Chum Som onn, Pich Sokdany and Keat Bunthan Translated by: Sreng Sophal, Chum Som onn and Pich Sokdany Proofed by: Pich Sokdany and Keat Bunthan Design and layout by Karen Young Photos: Thank you to WCS – eleanor Briggs, Tony lynam, Allan Michaud and Joe Walston. Sonja endlweber, Mitchell Issacs, Reach Sambath, Carly Starr, Terry Wooltorton, Karen Young, MRC Printed by: Graphic Roots © Copyright Ministry of environment, live & learn environmental education. This text is reusable for educational purposes. If used please cite the source. Disclaimer: This educational document was prepared by consultants live & learn environmental education for the Ministry of environment (Moe). Acknowlegements: This document has been complied from numerous existing materials, these are acknowlegements at the end of key sections. tonle sap information guide
contents
1. Introduction 3 Facts 9
2. Key Dates 10 Various sources
3. Frequently-asked Questions 15 Asian Development Bank, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Cambodia National Mekong Committee
4. Protected Areas 20 Asian Development Bank, Jady Smith, Frederic Goes
5. Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve 23 Asian Development Bank, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Cambodia National Mekong Committee
6. Five seasons of the Tonle Sap 32 Wildlife Conservation Society
7. Flooded Forest 36 Asian Development Bank, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute
8. Wetlands 38 WorldFish Center, Mekong River Commission
9. Fisheries 44 Mekong River Commission s t n e t n o c 10. Community Fisheries 51 Department of Fisheries 11. Forest Management in Siem Reap 55 01 Mekong River Commission
12. Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation 62 United Nations Children’s Fund, Asian Development Bank
13. Diversity of Fish and Other Aquatic Animals 64 introduction Mekong River Commission
14. Bird Diversity 68 The environment has once again empower the people to take action, Wildlife Conservation Society, Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Secretariat become the talking point of the world: usually by behaviour changes such as 15. Reptile Diversity 74 the potential impacts of climate change disposal of litter, walking instead of Wildlife Conservation Society, Independent Journalism Foundation that were once questioned are now driving. The media must take a leading being accepted. In-line with this the role in raising community awareness 16. Mammal Diversity 79 consequences of not managing our and educating the population. We Wildlife Conservation Society environment and not reducing our need to develop an environmental consumption are becoming more consciousness among the population, 17. Biodiversity in Boeng Chhmar 83 apparent and more critical. For the which will guide our management Ministry of Environment moment climate change is in the decisions as we search for a sustainable 18. Millennium Development Goals 86 international media and political future. spotlight. While the media attention Ministry of Planning Education and learning are the is focused on climate change, it is key ingredients in becoming more 19. Environmental Education 91 important to maintain attention on sustainable. In response to a growing Live and Learn Environmental Education other environmental issues, those that understanding that the environment is everyday citizens can confront, and 20. Glossary of Terms 94 being negatively impacted by human must learn to manage. Building a sense Mekong River Commission activities, education has become more of understanding of what we have, how focussed on showing how to reduce it is linked and why it is important to 21. Abbreviations and Acronyms 108 our impact on the environment, manage and protect, is an area we need Mekong River Commission, Cooperation Committee for Cambodia how to repair the damage we have to focus our collective attention on. done and how to plan and develop 22. Directory 115 The mass media has a growing for a more sustainable future. This Live and Learn Environmental Education audience of people who have an mode of education falls under 23. Annex 127 increasing interest and concern with many headings grouped under the The Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project the environment. We should take the term of environmental education. opportunity to not only share the issues Environmental education has been of the environmental crisis but also to actively promoted in a range of
n o i t c u d o r t n i international forums for the past thirty in Cambodia has had a relatively make up the bulk of environmental years. Significantly, the United Nations short history, firstly incorporated education in Cambodia. Partnering with Millennium Development Goals also into Government policies with the journalists to communicate complex promote the use of education in moves establishment of the Ministry of environmental issues to a wider toward sustainable development. Environment (MoE) in 1993. Since audience has great potential. Accurate Most recently, the United Nations this time it has gained increasing and balanced reporting by journalists
General Assembly proclaimed the support and acknowledgment as an can directly increase understanding and introduction Decade of Education for Sustainable important tool in reducing a variety discussion on the need for sustainable Development for the period 2005 of environmental problems that are development. It is very positive that – 2014, ‘emphasizing that education is currently affecting the country. Donor throughout Cambodia there are an indispensable element for achieving communities especially, have identified increasing frequency of articles and sustainable development.’ the importance of education in helping reports on the environmental situation, to repair the damaged environment, but still more are needed and more Prior to the conflict Cambodia was a and to manage and protect in order to understanding of the local environment regional leader in literacy and higher safeguard the future of the Cambodian needs to be shared. education, and in 1925 it was also the environment. first to establish an area “protected” for In the agreement, dated 6th June 2005 its environmental value. Unfortunately, There is integration of environmental the Ministry of Environment (MoE) of the years of conflict eroded this education into some formal education: the Royal Government of Cambodia of environmental issues at various levels good base. Environmental education however overall, non-formal activities appointed Live & Learn Environmental of Cambodian society, with a special Education (L&L) to carry out the focus on the whole ecosystem of the National Environmental Education & Tonle Sap. Awareness Campaign (NEEAC) under As part of a strategic approach, we are Component One of the Tonle Sap seeking to better promote journalists Environmental Management Project understanding of and access to relevant (TSEMP). TSEMP is funded by the Asian materials on the Tonle Sap Environment. Development Bank (ADB) under Loan This ‘Tonle Sap Information Guide’ 1939 CAM (SF), as part of the overall has been developed for journalists in Tonle Sap Initiative. The Tonle Sap Lake response to the interest being shown has great significance in Cambodia and on the Tonle Sap Lake, and the lack is iconic: referred to by some as ‘the of existing resources available for heart of Cambodia’. Unfortunately, this journalist: especially in Khmer. natural icon is under increasing pressure from unsustainable human activity. The ‘Tonle Sap Information Guide’ is a The environment is being heavily collection of a wide variety of relevant degraded and without intervention and environmentally – focused information behaviour change, the whole fragile for journalists. It will serve as a valuable ecosystem is in danger of collapsing. reference point for researchers and The NEEAC aims to improve knowledge writers and anyone else interested in the
n o i t c u d o r t n i Tonle Sap Lake. The guide starts with Ramsar Wetland. The seasons of the Biodiversity is the topic of the fourth some facts, dates and frequently asked lake and unique flow are described, as section. Topics covered include: fish, questions about the Tonle Sap Lake. is the importance of the flooded forest. birds, reptiles, mammals and a specific This section will help to stimulate ideas Wetlands of Cambodia are also covered focus on the Boeng Tonle Chmaa bird for journalists to develop related articles in this section. and fish breeding grounds. Maintaining and reports, and will guide them to biodiversity is essential to maintain the The third section focuses more on the other relevant information in the guide. health, integrity and productivity of introduction Tonle Sap Lake as a natural resource, the ecological system. That ecological Secondly, the guide gives an overall describing: fisheries, community system relies on the intricate linkages view of Protected Areas and the Tonle fisheries, forest management and and interdependence of all species Sap Biosphere Reserve. It then focuses water quality. The importance of the in the system, and on the continuing on: the five seasons of the Lake, and Tonle Sap as a resource should not be environmental health of the system. the Flooded Forests and Wetlands. underestimated. The lake’s rise and fall The people of Cambodia especially, The Tonle Sap Lake is the largest of corresponds with an abundance of the rely on this diverse, interdependent, Cambodia’s protected areas, and with main food staples of Cambodia: fish & functioning system because it is the one third of the population based rice. Tonle Sap Lake provides up to 70% interactions between species and within The entire guide is then further in this area it is also one of the most of Cambodia’s protein diet. Integrated that environment which produces supported with a glossary of significant. The significance of the management and protection of the the food resource so important for useful terms, abbreviations and Tonle Sap Lake has been recognized Tonle Sap lake environment is of utmost the country’s growing population. acronyms and a directory of relevant internationally with its designation as importance to sustain the resources of Ecosystems require management and organizations. The lack of agreed terms a Biosphere Reserve and designated the lake. protection to maintain their health and is a major impediment to the effective productivity. documentation and translation of important environmental information Section five looks at the bigger picture in Khmer. The glossary used has been of the Millennium Development Goals developed by merging the Mekong and Environmental Education. At an River Commission glossary and international level there are major Environmental Terms Dictionary and is efforts to coordinate actions toward hoped to help bring some clarity and sustaining the environment. The consistency in this respect Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are one such approach but they must The longest journey starts with the first be supported by a range of activities steps in the right direction. We hope in order for them to be successful. this ‘Tonle Sap Information Guide’ Environmental Education plays an starts the journey in the right direction important role in the promotion of for journalists and others involved environmental management and is in educating the public about our designed to assist in the movement of beautiful but fragile environment. We people to a more sustainable way of life. look forward to seeing & hearing more about the importance of the Tonle Sap Lake in the future.
n o i t c u d o r t n i • More than 400 community fisheries • About 37% of people living in the FACTS organisations have been established in provinces surrounding the lake live The Tonle Sap Lake and Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve villages around the lake to help manage under the official poverty line; the Tonle Sap natural resources; • Almost half of the villages have almost • The Tonle Sap yields about 230,000 half of their populations living below GEOGRAPHY HYDROLOGY tons of fish per annum, this is the poverty line;
• Is the largest freshwater lake in South • Unique hydrology of the Tonle Sap considerably lower than previous years • Illegal fishing methods include: poison, introduction East Asia, covering over 1.6 million • The Tonle Sap is connected to the where the annual fish harvest was up to explosives, electro-fishing, small net hectares; Mekong River by the 100-kilometre 400,000 tons ; mesh sizes; • 1993 a Royal Decree designated the long Tonle Sap River. Each year the • The Tonle Sap provides up to 80% of • It is estimated that more than 80% of Tonle Sap as a Multiple-Use Protected Tonle Sap river reverses its flow as the protein diet of Cambodians; households do not have access to safe Area; floodwaters from the Mekong push domestic water; into the Tonle Sap and fills up the lake; FLOODED FOREST • Tonle Sap is included in WWF’s Global • Malaria, dengue fever, acute respiratory • Flooded Forests are structurally and 200 list of significant areas of critical • 250,000–300,000 hectares in the dry infections, and tuberculosis are floristically different from any other conservation importance; season to 1.0–1.6 million hectares in endemic freshwater swamp forests elsewhere in • Has been internationally recognized the wet season the world • Half of the children under 5 are in 1997, as a Biosphere Reserve; with • 1–2 meters above mean sea level in the malnourished; 3 core areas (Prek Toal, Boeung Tonle dry season to 8–11 meters above mean • The flooded forest contains about 200 • 70% of children do not finish primary Chhmar & Steung Sen) under the sea level in the wet season plant species school, compared to national average UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program; • The flooded forest extended over • 20% of the Mekong River’s floodwaters of less than 60& • Includes the biggest continuous area of are absorbed by the Tonle Sap lake and more than 1 million hectares originally, savannah swamp forests and Flooded river 614,000 hectares in the 1960s, and BIODIVERSITY 362,000 hectares in 1991. Current Forest in the whole of Asia; • 62% of the Tonle Sap’s water originates • Is home to the world’s largest snake estimates put the area of flooded forest • Flooded Forest provides a vital breeding from the Mekong River harvest, largely fuelled by the explosive at less than 240,000 hectares ground for seasonal breeding, nursery • 38% of the Tonle Sap’s water originates growth in crocodile farms; grounds and forage areas for fish that from the Tonle Sap basin PEOPLE • Has the biggest colonies of globally migrate to the Mekong River. • Most people living on and around the endangered waterbirds in South East • Rice production in the Tonle Sap FISHERIES Lake are ‘highly dependant’ on fish and Asia: also an important site for many floodplain makes up about 12% of • The Tonle Sap has one of the most other aquatic resources. other threatened species; Cambodia’s annual harvest productive fisheries in the world, and is • Less than 10% of rural people living on • Once had many large mammals such • The Tonle sap is designated an estimated to account for about 60% of and around the Lake have safe drinking as elephants, wild buffalo, and deer but environmental hotspot of global Cambodia’s production of freshwater water or a toilet. these have disappeared; significance fish; • 1.2 million people live in the area • More than 200 species of plants occur • The Tonle Sap basin extends over • Fisheries and other aquatic resources bordered by Highways No. 5 and in the Tonle sap; 80000 square kilometres, or 44% of are conservatively estimated at a value No. 6, about 3 million live in the • The Tonle Sap contains at least 225 Cambodia’s total land area; of US$233 million per year; five provinces that abut the lake and species of fish, 42 species of reptiles, • 32% of Cambodia’s population live • Fish diversity is high but most fish about 340000 live in the immediate 225 species of birds, and 46 species of within the Tonle Sap Basin; catches in Cambodia are dominated by surrounds of the lake; mammals. 10 species;
1863 1970 • Authorities introduce fishing lots as a • The United Nations Educational, 02 system of feudal patronage. Scientific and Cultural Organization
Revenues are paid to the French to (UNESCO) launches its Man and the key dates keep the Siamese at bay. Biosphere (MAB) program. 1971 key 1884 dates • The fishing-lot system is abandoned • An international conference in Iranian following rebellions by peasants city of Ramsar adopts the Convention protesting the loss of their fishing on Wetlands of International grounds. Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, more commonly known as 1908 the Ramsar Convention. • A new system of fishing lots emerges 1973 with fishing seasons, fish sanctuaries and restrictions on some types on • Lon Nol bans fishing lots. fishing gear. Local villages are given access to fishing grounds and a 1975 research institute is set up. French • Most fishing abandoned as Khmer colonial authorities used revenues Rouge takes control of Cambodia. to develop public infrastructure such as roads and railways until 1987 independence in 1953. • Fisheries Management and Administration Law promulgated. 1956 The new law defines fishing grounds • Fishery Law promulgated. Conflicts as public property and divides the resurface and King Norodom capture of freshwater fish into large, Sihanouk later disbands some fishing medium and small-scale categories. lots. 1993 1960s • Ministry of Environment established.
• Owners and managers of some • Royal Decree on the Designation and fishing lots are reportedly killed Creation of National Protected Areas in disputes with local officials and System. villagers.
10 11 key dates key the construction of Cambodia’s first • National Assembly passes Law on environmental research station. the Creation of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (and Law 1998 on Water Resource Management?) • UNESCO establishes the Southeast key dates • Sub-decrees on Pollution Control and Asia Biosphere Network. In addition Solid Waste Management issued. to Cambodia, the network includes China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, • Draft Wetlands Action Plan Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand formulated. and Vietnam. 2000 1999 • Prime Minister Hun Sen announces • Prime Minister Hun Sen says fisheries the release of 8,000 hectares are in a state of “anarchy” following of fishing lots for community years of conflict over fishing lots. management and promises to remove corrupt officials. • Cambodia designates three wetlands At this stage, Cambodia’s 239 fishing as globally important under the lots spanned more than a million Ramsar Convention – Boeung Chma hectares, yielding about $2 million in 1994 1996 in Kompong Thom, the Mekong concessions to the government. Most River north of Stueung Treng and • Agencies such as the United Nations • National Assembly adopts lots released were small and were Koh Kapik and nearby islands in Koh Food and Agriculture Organisation Law Establishing the Ministry worth less than 30 million riel each (FAO) initiate efforts to develop of Environment and Law on Kong. fisheries co-management. Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management. 1995 • Cambodia accedes to the Ramsar • Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Convention. Vietnam sign Agreement on the Cooperation for Sustainable • UNESCO approves a strategy and Development of the Mekong River framework for a global network Basin. of biosphere reserves following an international conference in the • Conflicts over fishing, water and Spanish city of Seville in 1995. land rights start to escalate between fishing and farming communities, 1997 owners and employees of fishing lots, • UNESCO designates the Tonle Sap as local authorities, police and military a biosphere reserve. authorities. • Ministry of Environment initiates a pilot project in Prek Toal, leading to
12 13 key dates key 2001 • Prime Minister Hun Sen hosts the • Cambodia becomes the first country Greater Mekong Subregion summit in Asia to set up a Community with the leaders of China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand as 03 Fisheries Development Office. Located in the Department well as the president of the Asian of Fisheries, the office aims to Development Bank. During the encourage local communities to play summit, an Inter-Governmental Frequently-asked a greater role in managing fisheries. Agreement on Regional Power Trade was signed. questions • The government asks the FAO in Siem Reap to help set up village 2003 fishery management committees • National Assembly adopts Law on around the Tonle Sap. Forestry. • Sub-decree of the Establishment, Role and Functions of a Secretariat 2005 for the Tonle Sap Biosphere • Sub-decree on Community Fisheries Reserve. The secretariat is headed Management issued. Fishing lots by a secretary from the Cambodian are defined as public property National Mekong Committee and with regulated community access. three deputies from the Ministry of Community fishery areas have Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, “territorial use rights” with access to the Ministry of Environment and non-community members as well. the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. • Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao hosts the second summit of leaders • National Assembly adopts Land Law from the Greater Mekong Subregion. • The Mekong River Commission, The leaders agree to accelerate China and Myanmar sign the cooperation in the agricultural sector Agreement on the Provision of and acknowledge that environmental Hydrological Information on the degradation is a serious threat to the Lancang/Mekong River in the Flood region. Season. 2006 • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves the Tonle Sap • National Assembly adopts new Environmental Management Project. Fishery Law. The $20 million projects aims to strengthen management of natural resources, organise communities and conserve biodiversity.
14 15 F y s n o i t s e u q d e k s a ly- t n e u q e r What? human development. A third function What is the Southeast Asia Biosphere Who controls the hundreds of biosphere is to support research, monitoring, Reserve Network? reserves worldwide? What are biosphere reserves? education and the exchange of A regional network of reserves launched The reserves are governed by a Protected areas of the world’s main information. The reserves are not in 1998 comprising China, Indonesia, UNESCO strategy and global framework ecosystems that are recognised covered by international convention Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the but are controlled by the countries internationally through the United but must simply meet a set of criteria Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam where they are located. The reserves are Nations Educational, Scientific and allowing them to fulfill these three as well as Cambodia. The UNESCO not covered by international convention Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The functions. office in Jakarta hosts a website for but must simply meet a set of criteria UN agency describes them as “living the network. Cambodia hosted the allowing them to fulfill these three What are core areas, buffer zones and laboratories” for testing integrated network’s third meeting in Siem Reap in functions. transition areas? management of land, water and 2003. Laos hosted the fourth in 2005. biodiversity. The reserves are nominated Each reserve has at least one core area Who is responsible for the Tonle Sap
by national governments and remain as a securely-protected site with limited requently-asked questions
What is the Tonle Sap Environmental Biosphere Reserve? F under their jurisdiction. human activity. A clearly-identified Management Project? The reserve is administered by a buffer zone protects the core area from A $20 million project jointly financed secretary from the Cambodia National What are the three functions of a flexible transition area where human by the ADB, United Nations agencies Mekong Committee and three deputy biosphere reserves? settlement and agriculture is more and the Royal Government of secretaries from the Ministry of Each reserve is supposed to help intense. Cambodia. The board of the Asian Environment, the Fisheries Department conserve landscapes, ecosystems, Development Bank (ADB) approved of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry species and genetic variation while What is the Tonle Sap Biosphere the project in 2002. The project and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Water fostering sustainable economic and Reserve? has three parts – strengthening the Resources and Meteorology. A protected area of almost 1.5 million management of natural resources, hectares comprising the lake itself, organising communities and conserving Who is responsible for the Tonle Sap flooded forest areas and flooded biodiversity in the reserve. Environmental Management Project grasslands, mainly on the eastern shore. The project is overseen by a steering In the rainy season, the lake swells to as committee headed by Agriculture, much as 1.6 million hectares, more than Who? Forestry and Fisheries Minister Chan six times its dry season area which is as Sarun. The day to day running of the little as 250,000 hectares. Who is behind the biosphere program? project is overseen by the Ministry of UNESCO oversees the program which Environment with the ADB playing What are the threats to the Tonle Sap had 482 reserves in 102 countries by advisory and coordinating roles. Biosphere Reserve? 2005. An advisory committee examines nominations for reserves and makes Over-exploitation of forest resources, Who is financing the management recommendations to an International fish and wildlife. Specific threats include project? Coordinating Council which usually dry-season encroachment and clearance meets every two years. Based in Paris, Most of the $20 million project is of the flooded forest. The overall threat the council has 34 members who elect a being financed by an ADB loan for is the increasing resource needs of chairman and five vice-chairmen $10.9 million, with the Cambodian Cambodia’s expanding population. government providing the equivalent
16 17 F y s n o i t s e u q d e k s a ly- t n e u q e r of $3.9 million in local currency. The Where? United Nations Global Environment Facility (GEF) has offered a separate Where are the reserve’s three core areas? $3.9 million grant and the United On the northern and eastern shores of Nations Development Program (UNDP) the lake. The biggest core area is in Prek is providing a grant of $623,000. The Toal in Battambang province. The two ADB is offering a further $540,000 as a other core areas are in Kompong Thom technical assistance grant. province: Boeung Chhma and Steung Why? Sen. Prek Toal and Boeung Chhma are important breeding and feeding Why is Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve grounds for endangered species of large important? water birds. Steung Sen features trees requently-asked questions
rare to the flood plain. F The reserve reaffirms the lake’s place as a biodiversity reservoir of global Where is the buffer zone? significance and also recognises its photo: Wcs unique ecological, environmental, social The buffer zone covers the entire lake and cultural importance. The Tonle and extends to the outer limits of the well as Sisophon but not the provincial In 2001, when the government set up Sap is the largest freshwater lake in flooded forest. It stretches deep into capital in Kompong Thom. a secretariat for the reserve as a focus of Southeast Asia, supporting one of the Battambang province and also covers environmental management. UNESCO most productive fisheries in the world, large areas of Kompong Thom and When? designated the lake and its flood plain directly providing livelihoods for about Pursat provinces and smaller areas of as biosphere reserve four years earlier in When did UNESCO’s biosphere initiative 11 percent of Cambodia’s population. Kampong Chhnang and Siem Reap. The 1997. take shape? More than a million people live in the buffer zone is the same area designated reserve, mainly in the buffer zone and by Royal Decree as a “multi-purpose In 1970, when the agency launched its When was the ADB’s Tonle Sap Basin transition area. Fishing is the main protected area” in 1993. “Man and the Biosphere Program” to Strategy formulated? activity but the flood plain is also used establish protected areas for important The strategy dates back to 2003 and is to produce rice and vegetables. The Where is the transition area? ecosystems. The call for such a program supporting the ADB’s country strategy main goal of the reserve is to study The area spans Banteay Meachey was made at a UNESCO conference in and program from 2005 to 2007. and promote indigenous ecological province in the north to Kompong 1968. The bank said in 2005 that the basin knowledge. Nearly 100 water bird Chhnang province in the south. In strategy – which has “informing and species can be found, including a dozen Battambang, Pursat and Siem Reap When did UNESCO approve its strategy listening” among its key operating of international significance. In addition provinces, the border follows National and global framework for biosphere principles – would be the basis for to fish stocks and rare water birds, the Routes 5 and 6 and extends to limited reserves? setting priorities and planning assistance area is also known for crocodiles, turtles, stretches of the two highways in In 1996 following a conference in Seville to Cambodia over the next five to 10 macaques, capped langurs, otters, and Kompong Chhnang and Kompong in 1995. years. water snakes. About 10 percent of the Thom provinces. The area includes parts Sources: ADB, UNESCO, Cambodia National Mekong area is covered by tall-tree forest, mainly of the towns of Kompong Chhnang, When was the Tonle Sap Biosphere Committee along streams and wetter places. Pursat Battambang and Siem Reap as Reserve established?
18 19 Protecting nature is a source of concern and elephants, for example) and collect in Cambodia. primary data on ecology and human Fragile ecosystems are affected by the uses as well as seasonality and access. 04 country’s socio-economic, physio- Field information can be shared among geographic and climatic conditions. stakeholders through workshops. Most wildlife biologists believe the best By early 2001, the Ministry of Protected way to prevent the loss of wild species Environment had recruited and deployed
is to establish and maintain a system of protected areas 525 rangers at 59 stations to patrol areas reserves, parks, wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas. other protected areas. The ministry’s Department of Nature Cambodia established Southeast Conservation cooperates closely with a Asia’s first national park in 1925 number of conservation organizations when it declared 10,800 hectares of to promote capacity building, forest around the Angkor temples as a environmental education, community protected area. livelihood development and on-site By 1969, Cambodia had six national protection. parks and wildlife sanctuaries covering A platform-based protection system for nearly 2.2 million hectares, about bird colonies in the Prek Toal Core area 12 percent of the total land area. was tested in 2001 and has since been In 1993, King Norodom Sihanouk expanded to cover all known colonies in issued a royal decree designating 23 the area. The coverage of the breeding protected areas. These cover about population of all key species of large 3.3 million hectares and include seven waterbirds in the area is nearly 100 national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries, percent. three protected landscapes and three multiple-use areas. These four categories Several protected areas are subject to – reflecting different characteristics and threats. management objectives – correspond These include unrestricted grazing to international classifications such as unmanaged fishing, illegal logging, those used by the World Conservation collection of fuel wood and non-timber Union (IUCN). forest products, habitat degradation and disturbances resulting from other Protected areas play a big role in human activities. developing tourism, protecting watersheds and providing sanctuaries Sources: Asian Development Bank, Jady Smith and for wild plants and animals. Frederic Goes. When an area is protected, it is easier to carry out wildlife surveys (on tigers
20 21 s a e r a d e t c e t o r p 05 Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve
22 23 T
e l n o Under a program launched in 1970, the is covered by tall-tree forest, mainly United Nations Educational, Scientific along streams and wetter places. and Cultural organisation (UNESCO) S
e r e h p s o i B p a designated the Tonle Sap Lake and its The flooded forest of the Tonle Sap is flood plain as a biosphere reserve in biggest continuous area of savannah 1997. swamp forest and flooded forest in the The reserve spans almost 1.5 million whole of Asia.
hectares and covers the lake and most By 1997, it was estimated to have photo: eleanor briggs Wcs of the surrounding area bordered by shrunk to 350,000 hectares, about a
R National Routes 5 and 6. By 2005, it third of its original area. e v r e s e was one of 482 biosphere reserves in The flooded forest is crucial for fish, 102 countries. The Tonle Sap Biosphere water birds and reptiles. Reserve is administered by a secretary from the Cambodia National Mekong The biosphere has three ‘core areas’– in Committee and three deputy secretaries Prek Toal in Battambang province and from the Ministry of Environment, the Boeung Chhma and Steung Sen in Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Kompong Thom province. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and photo: eleanor briggs Wcs Almost 100 species of water birds are the Ministry of Water Resources and found in these three areas which cover Meteorology. The three ministries also an area of more than 42,000 hectares. administer the Tonle Sap Environmental More than 400 species of fish have been Management Project (TSEMP) jointly identified in these areas which are also financed by the Asian Development known for crocodiles, turtles, macaques, Bank (ADB), the Royal Government of otters and water snakes. The core areas Cambodia and United Nations agencies. comprise 21,342 hectares in Preak Toal and 14,560 hectares in Boeung The reserve comprises the lake itself, Chhma which is also an internationally- flooded forest and flooded grasslands, recognised wetland under the Ramsar mainly on the eastern shore. Convention (see below) Both are During the rainy season, the lake swells important breeding and feeding to as much as 1.6 million hectares, more grounds for endangered species of large than six times its dry season area which water birds. Steung Sen spans 6,355 can be as little as 250,000 hectares. hectares and features trees rare to the Almost two-thirds of the water comes flood plain. The Ministry of Environment from the Mekong River with more a estimates less than 20,000 people live third originating from the basin, notably in or near these areas – about 10,000 in the Steung Sen and the Steung Pursat Prek Toal, about 2000 in Boeung Chhma tributaries. About 10 percent of the area and almost 7,000 in Steung Sen.
24 25 T e l n o Regional biosphere more than 125 million hectares in 146 countries. reserve networks e s e r v e S Cambodia has three Ramsar sites R e r e h p s o i B p a Cambodia is part of the Southeast Asia covering 54,600 hectares, all Biosphere Reserve Network launched in designated on June 23, 1999. The 1998. biggest is Boeung Chma and the Other members are China, Indonesia, associated river system and floodplain Japan, Laos, Malaysia Myanmar, the in Kompong Thom, an area of 28,000 Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. hectares. About half of this site forms ap Biosphere R S e v r e s e The UNESCO office in Jakarta hosts a one of the three core areas of the website for the network, also known biosphere reserve. A second site as SeaBRnet. Cambodia and UNESCO covering 14,600 hectares is located in o n l e organized the third meeting of the the middle stretches of the Mekong T regional network in Siem Reap in 2003 River north of Stueung Treng. The third with assistance from Japan. Laos hosted site is Koh Kapik and associated islands, the fourth meeting in 2005. spanning 12,000 hectares in Koh Kong province. The international community Other regional networks include the recognises the three sites as having European Biosphere Reserve Network “significant value” for Cambodia and A ‘buffer zone’ covers the entire lake and and Siem Reap provinces. launched in 1987 and the East Asian humanity as a whole. extends to the outer limits of the flooded It extends to limited stretches of the two Biosphere Reserve Network launched forest. highways in Kompong Chhnang and in 1994. Regional networks also exist for In 1999, parties to the Ramsar It stretches deep into Battambang Kompong Thom provinces, stretching biosphere reserves in African and Arab convention agreed to a framework province and also covers large areas of from south of Kompong Chhnang countries as well as Latin America, Spain and guidelines for developing an Kompong Thom and Pursat provinces to Sisophon in the north. Covering and Portugal. international network of wetlands. and smaller areas of Kampong Chhnang 899,600 hectares, the transition zone Under the framework, sites designated and Siem Reap. Excluding the three includes parts of the towns of Pursat for the Ramsar list should be “important cores areas, the buffer zone covers and Siem Reap but not Kompong Important for the conservation of global biological 541,482 hectares and is the same area Thom. The population is estimated at Cambodian diversity and for sustaining human life designated by Royal Decree as a “multi- 1.6 million. through the ecological and hydrological purpose protected area” in 1993. The wetlands functions they perform.” In 2000, the zone includes about 60 floating villages Fishing is the main activity but the flood The Convention on Wetlands was secretary general of the Convention and a population estimated at almost plain is also used to produce rice and adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. on Wetlands called for a “new era of 70,000 people. vegetables. Under the Ramsar convention, countries common existence” to replace the designate wetlands that are globally “parallel existence” of Ramsar sites The main goal of the reserve is to study important in terms of ecology, botany, and biosphere reserves. Under such a The buffer zone is surrounded by a and promote indigenous ecological zoology and hydrology. By 2005, the parallel system, 33 wetlands designated ‘transition zone’ bordered by National knowledge. Routes 5 and 6 in Battambang, Pursat Ramsar List of Wetlands of International as Ramsar sites were also located within Importance had 1,462 sites covering or coincided with the UNESCO reserves.
26 27 T e l n o Unesco’s biosphere UNESCO describes the reserves as “living laboratories” for testing reserve networks integrated management of land, e s e r v e S R e r e h p s o i B p a Biosphere reserves date back to 1968 water and biodiversity. Each reserve is when a UNESCO conference called for supposed to help conserve landscapes, a program to set up land and coastal ecosystems, species and genetic areas representing the world’s main variation while fostering sustainable ecosystems. The UNESCO initiative economic and human development. took shape in 1970 when the Paris- A third function is to support research, ap Biosphere R based agency launched its “Man and monitoring, education and the S e v r e s e the Biosphere” program establishing exchange of information. The reserves protected areas known as biosphere are not covered by international
reserves. In 1995, an international convention but must simply meet a set o n l e T conference in Seville agreed on a of criteria allowing them to fulfill these strategy for biosphere reserves and three functions. local people. Buffer zones surrounding Local communities and those involved a framework for a global network. core areas may be subject to research in agriculture, forestry and fisheries Each reserve has a core area, a buffer UNESCO approved the Seville Strategy into managing natural vegetation, are seen by UNESCO as the main zone and a transition area. The core and the Statutory Framework of the croplands, forests and fisheries to beneficiaries of biosphere reserves along areas of biosphere reserves have to be World Network of Biosphere Reserves in improve production while conserving with scientists, governments and the legally established and provide long- 1996. nature and biodiversity – including soil world at large. term protection to the landscapes, – as much as possible. These zones may Nominated by governments, ecosystems and species it contains. also be used for education, training, To be designated as a biosphere the reserves are internationally Normally, the core area is not subject tourism and recreation. Transition areas reserve, an area should normally recognised but are controlled by the to human activity, except research extending outwards from the buffer be “representative of a major bio- countries where they are located. and monitoring and traditional use by zones may contain human settlements, geographic region” with landscapes, agriculture and other activities. Core ecosystems or animal and plant areas are mostly public lands, but may species or varieties that need to be also be privately owned or belong to conserved. non-governmental organisations. In The area should big enough to have many cases, the land in buffer zones a legally-defined core area devoted to and transition areas belongs to the local long-term protection, a clearly-identified community or is privately owned. buffer zone and an outer transition area. Public authorities, local communities Several biosphere reserves encompass and private interests should be involved national parks, nature reserves and in planning and managing the reserve. other internationally-recognised sites In the case of large natural areas which under the World Heritage and Ramsar straddle national boundaries, UNESCO conventions. encourages transboundary reserves that are jointly managed.
28 29 T
e l n o A UNESCO Advisory Committee International Social Sciences Council Thailand and Vietnam is based on the examines all nominations for biospheres (ISSC) and the World Conservation principles of “equitable and reasonable and makes recommendations to an Union (IUCN) may act as advisory benefit” for all four members of the e s e r v e S R e r e h p s o i B p a International Coordinating Council bodies to the council. Mekong River Commission. which usually meets every two years. Set up in Paris in 2000, the council The National The committee represents 10 ministries. has 34 members who elect a chairman These are the ministries for water and five vice-chairmen. In 2004-2005, Mekong Committee’s resources and meteorology; Mexico chaired the council with Austria, role environment; agriculture, forestry and ap Biosphere R Ghana, South Korea, Russia and Tunisia
fisheries; foreign affairs and international S e v r e s e Overall responsibility for the Tonle Sap serving as vice chairmen. UNESCO cooperation; industry, mines and Biosphere Reserve and the Tonle Sap member states not represented on energy; planning; land management, Environmental Management Project rests the council can send observers to the o n l e
urbanisation and construction; rural T with the Cambodian National Mekong meetings, as can other UN agencies development and tourism. Committee. The committee advises the such as the United Nations Environment environment programs. The secretary Council of Ministers on developing, The chairman of the executive Program (UNEP) the Food and general of the National Mekong managing and preserving water and committee is Water Resources and Agriculture Organisation (FAP), the Committee is Hou Taing Eng, who related resources of the Mekong River Meteorology Minister Lim Kean World Maritime Organisation (WMO) is also undersecretary of state at the in cooperation with provincial and Hour. The three deputy chairmen are and the World Health Organisation Ministry of Planning. His three deputies municipal authorities as well as central Environment Minister Mok Mareth, (WHO). The International Council are Pich Dun, Te Navuth (Ministry of government agencies. Cooperation with Public Works and Transport Secretary of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the Water Resources and Meteorology) and donors and national committees in Laos, of State Tram Iv and former Agriculture Kol Vathana (Ministry of Environment) Forestry and Fisheries director general who also heads the secretariat of the Sin Niny. Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. The three deputy heads of the secretariat A general secretariat coordinates the are Neou Bonheur, deputy director of day to day activities and advises the the Natural Resource Protection and chairman of the executive committee. Conservation Department of the Ministry The secretariat comprises the Tonle Sap of Environment; Sam Neou, deputy Biosphere Reserve Secretariat and three director of the Fisheries Department of departments with responsibilities for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and administration and finance (including Fisheries; and Ang Norin, deputy director public relations), policy and planning, of the Water Resources Management and and projects. The projects department Conservation Department of the Ministry has four bureaux (agriculture, water of Water Resources and Meteorology. resources, waterways and tourism, and environment) and two units Sources: Asian Development Bank, Cambodia National Mekong Committee and United Nations Educational, with responsibility for Mekong River Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Commission’s water utilisation and
30 31 On the open lake, terns and gulls feed Mid-late dry season ap in large numbers. In the flooded forest S Ke Makara Khumpieh Misnir areas, the mid to late dry season is the 06 main breeding time for large waterbirds Maesa Ousophea onle
such as storks, ibises, pelicans, herons T In the mid to late dry season (peakandal and egrets. Turtles and pythons also chong rotdeu prang) between January Five seasons breed in flooded forests and shrublands and April, large-scale commercial at this time of the year, as do grassland fishing takes place in all fishing lots and of the Tonle Sap birds like bustards and quails. main waterways around the Tonle Sap. Extensive burning of grasslands and shrublands occurs. Early monsoon As the floodplain dries up, there is a season
concentration of “black fish” – species ive seasons of the F like trey roh, trey chdau and trey kranh Ke Ousophea Nithokna Kakada which live in water that has been When the rains arrive in the early darkened by chemicals from dissolved monsoon season (dam rotdeu vohsa) in vegetation. Such fish can tolerate such May and July, the annual “flood pulse” acidic water that lacks oxygen. Most begins as the Tonle Sap River reverses its can breathe air and move overland to flow. White fish start migrating from the find new waterbodies. Some can even Mekong River to the Tonle Sap where bury themselves in the mud and wait they will feed, nest and spawn over until the next flood. the coming months before returning
32 33 F ive seasons of the the of seasons ive to the Mekong towards the end of the The early monsoon also marks the In the outer floodplains, August to ap
year. Such fish spend most of their lives start of the world’s biggest watersnake October is the main growth phase for S in white turbid water of running rivers harvest. deepwater rice crops. Fish control rice and include trey chlang, trey damrei, trey field pests. onle T pra, trey sanday, trey kahe, trey pour and photo: eleanor briggs Wcs The first peak in the watersnake harvest trey promah. During this season, black Mid monsoon takes place during this season. fish start migrating to their nesting and season spawning habitats. Ke Saehah Ganya Tokla The early monsoon marks the departure Late monsoon T onle onle of breeding colonies of large waterbirds As the rains continue in the middle season such as storks, pelicans, herons and part of the monsoon season (peakandal egrets from the flooded forest areas. rotdeu vohsa) between August and Ke Tokla Vicheka S ap October, the Tonle Sap lake expands
It also signals the arrival of wet-season As the level of the Mekong River drops ive seasons of the to its maximum size. Fish nesting, F breeders such as rails, crakes and and the Tonle Sap River reverses its trey riel, reaches a peak during this spawning and feeding continues and bitterns in the grasslands around the flow during the late monsoon season cooler season. juveniles start growing. This is also the Tonle Sap. (chong rotdeu vohsa) in October and breeding period for watersnakes in the Terns and gulls flock to feed on the November, the floodwaters recede. In the flooded forest and shrubland flooded forest and shrubland areas. open lake. In the flooded forests, Large-scale fishing begins in all fishing areas, trees and shrubs begin cormorants and darters complete their Cormorants and darters return to their lots and main waterways. White fish flowering at this time of the year and breeding. Young birds develop wing nest colonies in the flooded forest start migrating out of the lake towards fruit production starts. In the outer feathers that are large enough for flight. and start breeding. Trees and shrubs the Mekong. floodplain, deepwater rice crops start to Large waterbirds like storks, ibises, continue flowering and producing fruit. germinate. In the flooded forest and shrublands, pelicans, herons and egrets return new leaves sprout and watersnakes to their nesting colonies. Terrestrial- continue to breed. breeding species such as floricans and Floating grasses grow and deepwater quails migrate back to the grasslands rice enters its ripening phase. and farming areas. Birds from northern Asia and Europe also migrate to the photo: eleanor briggs Wcs Tonle Sap to avoid the northern winter. Early dry season Such “winter visitors” include raptors, chats, heronries hirundines, warblers, Ke Vicheka Thnou Makara pipits and wagtails. The fall in food waters accelerates During this season, the annual rice and large-scale commercial fishing harvest and the second watersnake continues on the Tonle Sap during the harvest takes place. early part of the dry season (dam rotdeu romhai) from November to January. The Source: Wildlife Conservation Society outward migration of white fish, notably
34 35 The flooded forest of the Tonle Sap While no dams are planned for the is vital for seasonal breeding, nursery Tonle Sap area, an Asian Development grounds and forage areas for fish that Bank (ADB) report in 2005 warned 07 migrate to the Mekong River. that dams elsewhere in the Mekong Despite its depletion, it is still by far the Basin could alter the hydrological greatest continuous area of savannah relationship with the lake. Flooded swamp and inundated forest in Asia and Habitat clearing and conversion for
the largest remaining example of this agriculture is a “significant” conservation flooded forest forest type of habitat in Southeast Asia. issue, with increased fertilizer use and runoff into the lake adversely affecting With shrub lands, stunted swamp fish and local people. forests, gallery forests and submerged and floating aquatic vegetation, Trees are cut to make fishing gear, the flooded forest provides many including drift fences and fish traps. important benefits for both people Fishing pressure is high because of and animals. intensive and even illegal methods. Scientists have recorded about 200 plant “Depletion of fish stocks does not only species, the flora as a whole is distinct deplete fish populations but also have from that of other Mekong wetlands, cascading effects throughout the trophic especially with regard to woody species. structure of the ecosystem,” the ADB report warned. The productivity of Tonle Sap fisheries is one of world’s highest. Intensified fishing can only take place This is generally attributed to the flooded if the flooded forest is maintained or forest which not only provides shelter expanded and fish stocks enhanced and protection for animals but also plays by enforcing controls and expanding an important role in the reproduction of breeding programs. biological resources which interact as a Encroachment in the form of harnessing giant food chain. water resources, logging for timber and firewood or clearing forests for crops Forest products such as fruit, seeds and threatens to destroy the viability of foliage fulfill animal nutrition needs. forested catchment areas. Such activities Near Prek Toal, the flooded forest may also leading to erosion, loss of soil sustains the most significant colonies fertility, downstream siltation, flooding of water birds in Indochina – and and turbidity of water bodies. perhaps the whole of Southeast Asia. It
is probably Cambodia’s pre-eminent site Sources: ADB, Inland Fisheries Research and for conserving freshwater biota. Development Institute.
36 37 Wetlands deal comprehensively with managing and conserving wetlands, leading to With large areas flooded every year, conflicts over their use and depletion wetlands dominate the Cambodian
08 of their resources. Management and e t l a n d s landscape. The three major inland conservation plans are meanwhile w wetlands are along the Mekong River, hindered by the absence of an around the Tonle Sap and around Stung wetlands agreement on how to classify wetlands. Sen. Coastal wetlands include Koh Pao In response to these shortcomings, a and Stung Kep. Cambodia’s wetlands Wetlands Action Plan was drafted in are mainly used for agriculture, 1999 but had still not been adopted as fisheries, water supply, forestry, tourism, of mid-2006 transport, human settlement and conservation. Other uses include waste In the absence of the draft being management, water regulation, storm approved, the WorldFish Center barriers and energy production. undertook a two-year study on the legal and institutional framework Cambodia’s wetlands are threatened governing Cambodian wetlands and by excessive exploitation and valuing their resources. Coordinated conversion of land for agriculture and by the Department of Fisheries, the human settlement. Specific threats study took place in 2002 and 2003 and include overfishing, degradation of was part of part of regional research flooded and upland forests, trading that also included Laos, Thailand in birds, eggs, snakes and turtles, and Vietnam. Published in 2006, the fragmentation of animal habitats, study described the various uses of irrigation, navigation, tourism and Cambodian wetlands and found that dams. policy makers tended to underestimate The legal framework for managing their value. wetlands rests with legislation Rice farming in Cambodian wetlands vested in government agencies falls into four categories – wet season responsible for resource use, land rice, flood-recession rice, dry-season use and environmental conservation. rice and floating rice. Wet-season rice These include the Fishery Law of takes place in higher lands that may 2006, the Land Law of 2001 and the be flooded during the wet season. Also Environmental Law of 1996. Other legal known as rain-fed lowland paddies, this instruments include the Sub-decree type of cultivation accounts for most of on Community Fisheries Management Cambodia’s paddy area. Flood-recession of 2005 and the Royal Decree on rice is grown after the water recedes the Designation and Creation of a – normally on the margins of flooded National Protected Area System of areas of the Tonle Sap, Bassac and 1993. But the legislation does not 38 39 w Mekong River systems – and contributes other crops. Minimal use of chemicals has been estimated at about 100,000 s d n a l t e about nine percent of the rice crop. has allowed many fish, crabs, snails, tonnes. Aquaculture – mainly cage Where irrigation is available, flood- molluscs and frogs to reside in wet- culture around the Tonle Sap – has
recession and dry-season rice fields may season rice fields in Pursat. As for dry- been estimated to account for about e t l a n d s
be used for farming more than once season rice, a survey by the Cambodia- 10 percent of total fish production. w a year. Floating rice is grown deeper Australia International Rice Research Other cultivated aquatic animals include in flooded areas, especially in flooded project found that 80 percent of crocodiles, eels, frogs, freshwater shrimp forests of the Tonle Sap, and represents farmers used pesticide and almost 40 and water snakes. Pond farming mainly about seven percent of the total rice percent observed dead fish after their takes places in Kandal and provinces crop. application. Despite the availability of further away from the Tonle Sap. chemicals, it is not clear how much Cash crop farming takes place along Wetlands also supply water for is being used or how much chemical the Mekong riverbank, on islands and drinking, washing, bathing and residue is being discharged into the around the floodplain of the Tonle irrigation. Most people living in floating environment. Sap, especially in Kompong Thom villages around the Tonle Sap use water and Siem Reap. Typical cash crops Fishing and aquaculture are among directly from the lake. Water from the
planted in large fields include corn, the major uses of wetlands in lake is also used to irrigate rice fields photo: eleanor briggs Wcs beans, peanuts, sesame, tobacco, sugar Cambodia. In 1997, it was estimated around the Tonle Sap. a year. Non-timber forest products cane, cassava, sweet potatoes, castor oil that 88 percent of the people in 170 include bamboo, which is used to Timber and other forest products and jute. Crops like pumpkins, gourds, villages around the Tonle Sap depended make rafts. Reeds, thatch and leaves from wetlands have both household cucumbers, watermelons and tomatoes on fishing or related activities. Total fish are used for roofing, plants are used for and commercial uses. Timber from are cultivated in between the major production is estimated at more than fishing gear and water hyacinth is used flooded forest areas may not be cash crops or in smaller fields. 500,000 tonnes a year (see separate for making hammocks and growing of high quality but can be used to section on Fisheries). The production of mushrooms. Plants and parts of animals Wet-season rice involves fewer build sheds and small houses or for edible aquatic animals from rice fields found in wetlands are also used in chemicals than dry-season rice and cooking and processing fish. A report traditional medicine. in 2001 estimated that fish-processing households in Balort used up to 40 Cambodian wetlands are attracting cubic metres of wood every year to growing numbers of tourists. In smoke fish and that such wood could be the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a bought for between $2.50 and $3.00 a management centre for the Prek Toal cubic metre. A separate report in 1997 core area opened with accommodation found that as many as 80 percent of facilities in 2005 and another centre villagers in Peam Seima in Battambang is scheduled to open in the Boeung province were cutting as much as a Chhmar core area in 2006. In 1998, it cubic metre of fuel wood each day was estimated that Prek Toal tourism for commercial purposes. The same facilities could generate between one report estimated that local household and two million dollars a year once they consumption of fuel wood for cooking reached full capacity, with about 10% was as much as eight cubic metres going to the local community.
40 41 w Wetlands are important for water species identified by the Ministry of s d n a l t e transport and human settlement. The Environment are all water birds – the Ministry of Public Works and Transport white-winged duck, the Sarus crane,
estimates the length of navigable the giant ibis, the white-shouldered ibis, e t l a n d s
waterways across Cambodia expands the greater adjutant stork, the lesser w from 855 kilometres in the dry season adjutant stork, the milky stork and the to 1,544 kilometres in the wet season. spot-billed pelican. Houses on stilts and floating structures Livestock depend on wetlands for are seen in large clusters around the food. Cattle, including oxen and water Tonle Sap. Floating structures can buffaloes, feed on grass and other be permanent or seasonal, with the vegetation that grows in wetlands while location of entire villages moving ducks and geese are mainly fed in rice between the dry and wet seasons. fields. Pigs and some other poultry feed Conservation efforts are likely to on water spinach, grass and rice grown benefit 13 endangered animal species in wetlands. found in Cambodia’s wetlands. Wetlands help to dilute pollution and people move their floating houses close The study found that it was difficult These include five aquatic species transport waste. In the absence of to the flooded forest to avoid damage to value wetlands in economic terms – the Irrawaddy dolphin, the Chinese treatment facilities in Cambodia, most from wind and waves. because of different ways they white dolphin, the Siamese crocodile, sewage and other forms of urban and were perceived by different groups the Mekong giant catfish and the Isok Wetlands can be a source of energy – industrial pollution end up in rivers and and a poor understanding of their barb. The other eight endangered not just from fuel wood and charcoal wetlands. In floating villages, all liquid ecological functions. It found that but from also hydropower. So far, and solid waste is discharged directly wetlands were especially important to however, Cambodia has only built a few into the water. Chemical fertilisers and the livelihoods, subsistence and welfare small hydropower plants. Dams have a pesticides also end up in wetlands of poor people. But it also found that major impact on fish migration – which where some is trapped in plants and the it was difficult to assess their value to is why a fish pass is being built as part rest flushed away by annual floods. the poor as products and services either of irrigation dam rehabilitation project did not enter the market economy Small water bodies and the river in Stung Chinit in Kompong Thom or were poorly appreciated. In the system itself help to absorb excess province. The structure is the second absence of monetary values, the study water after heavy rainstorms and of its type in Asia and was expected to noted that wetlands could be valued in during the annual flood. The Tonle start operating during the 2006 wet terms of their percentage contribution Sap lake has been estimated to absorb season. 28 billion cubic metres water from the to people’s livelihoods. Incorporating Wetlands also have cultural various rivers in its own catchment area economic valuations of wetlands into values. These are often expressed in and almost twice as much from the policy would, it argued, encourage the celebrations such as the annual water Mekong River every year. sustainable use of resources and help festival and ceremonies marking the reduce poverty. Flooded forest areas are used as start of the fishing season and the end storm barriers. During the wet season, of the rice harvest. Sources: WorldFish Center, Mekong River Commission
42 43 Cambodia’s richness in fish resources biggest in the world after China, India has long been recognised and may and Bangladesh. Using the higher have been a factor in attracting estimate, Cambodia ranks second only 09 Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese and to China in freshwater fisheries. f i s h e r i e s Dutch traders before the French Most of the catch comes from small- arrived in the 19th century. During scale family fisheries (see box on fisheries the French colonial period, authorities page 46). introduced fishing leases and lots as well as the country’s first fishery laws. The Department of Fisheries said In 1910, Cambodia reportedly exported in 2003 that overall fish production about 50,000 tonnes of fish products. was “probably higher than ever” By the 1920s and 1930s, Chinese and warned that individual catch traders operating in Cambodia were rates had been declining, along with estimated to be exporting 25,000 the average value of each kilogram tonnes of dried fish a year to caught. “Larger species are declining Indonesia alone. in catches which are now becoming dominated by smaller short-lived and Pressure on fishery resources has rapidly-reproducing species which tend intensified in line with the growth to be of lower value,” the department in Cambodia’s population. In 1940, said. Figures from the mid-1990s show total fish production was estimated that individual catches had dropped to at 120,000 tonnes. Since then, the 192 kilograms a head, down 45 percent country’s population has tripled, from 347 kilograms a head in 1940. boosting fish catch estimates to at least 400,000 tonnes a year by 2000. More recent estimates suggest that the annual catch is probably about 700,000 tonnes. In terms of value, fisheries output rivals rice production as the single biggest contributor to gross domestic product (GDP), which measures a country’s total output of goods and services.
Cambodia has the most intense freshwater fishery in the world in terms of the amount of fish caught per inhabitant. Based on the conservative catch estimate of 400,000 tonnes, the fishery itself is the fourth-
44 45 s e i r e h s i f Tonle Sap fisheries are estimated of the Tonle Sap at $233 million a to account for about 60 percent year. The report based its figures on Small, medium and large of Cambodia’s total production of incomes for an estimated 209,000 freshwater fish. The WorldFish Centre households dependent on aquatic f i s h e r i e s Under a law dating back to 1987, estimated in 2005 that 1.25 million resources in Kompong Chhnang, fishing in Cambodia falls into three people in the five provinces around the Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat and categories – small, medium and lake relied on fish and other aquatic Kompong Thom. The combined large scale – based on the size of resources for their food and livelihoods. incomes were estimated at $215 52 types of fishing gear and the Based on a survey of Kompong million a year, or $172 a head based potential revenues they can yield. Chhnang and Siem Reap provinces, this on an average household of six people. The Department of Fisheries has was up from an estimate of 1.17 million To this was added $13 million which classified another 100 types of people in a separate study published by represented the estimated value of gear that are not covered by the the Mekong River Commission in 1998. fish consumed at home rather than law and are therefore illegal. The earlier study found that the five sold, amounting to $63 a year for each Small-scale fishing, amounting to between half and two thirds of the overall Tonle Sap provinces had about 195,000 household. A further $5 million was catch every year, is family oriented and involves most households around the fishing households located in 145 estimated for the collection of aquatic Tonle Sap. It is usually carried out with small gear like gill nets and bamboo fence fishing communities around the lake. plants and animals considered as traps. No license is required for small-scale fishing which can take place all year In a 2006 report, the Inland Fisheries common property. Annual consumption round. Of all households involved in fishing, about 90 percent are believed to Research and Development Institute of fish around the Tonle Sap is estimated be small-scale operators. In 1995, they numbered about 85,000 with the of the Department of Fisheries at 76 kilograms a head, the highest average catch estimated at 700 kilograms for each household. More than two conservatively estimated the value of rate in Cambodia and also one of the thirds of the harvest was from Kompong Chhnang and Battambang provinces. fisheries and other aquatic resources highest in the world. Ricefield fisheries around the Tonle Sap can yield up to 100,000 tonnes a year, amounting to almost a quarter of the country’s entire catch.
Medium-scale fishing, which absorbs about a quarter of the annual catch, is commercial and only allowed between October and May. Licenses are not required and gill nets are the main type of gear used. In 1995, about 9,000 households around the Tonle Sap were engaged in medium-scale fishing with the average catch for each household estimated at 5.3 tonnes.
Large-scale operations, about a fifth of the total catch, are industrial in scale and mainly involve fishing lots that are leased for two years. The fishing gear used such as fences, pens and arrow-shaped traps can cover large areas. In 1995, the average catch for each fishing lot was estimated at 54.1 tonnes. The bagnet fishery on the Tonle Sap north of Phnom Penh (see page 50) is also defined as large-scale fishing.
Source: Department of Fisheries photo: eleanor briggs Wcs
46 47 s e i r e h s i f Value of Tonle Sap aquatic resources Tonle Sap households depending on ($ mln) aquatic resources
Annual income estimates for aquatic-resource dependent households plus Number of households averaging six people in Kg Chhnang (KGC), Pursat (PST), f i s h e r i e s estimated values of home fish consumption and aquatic animals and plants Battambang (BTB), Siem Reap (SRP) and Kg Thom (KGT) collected each year in Kg Chhnang (KGC), Pursat (PST), Battambang (BTB), Siem Income level KGC PST BTB SRP KGT Total Reap (SRP) and Kg Thom (KGT) ≤ $1000 39,742 24,630 32,384 27,309 26,924 150,988 KGC PST BTB SRP KGT Total $1,001–2,000 5,746 8,479 7,196 6,069 5,983 33,473 Income levels $2001 – 5000 1,915 5,653 4,048 3,414 3,365 18,395 ≤ $1000 16.2 13.7 15.2 12.8 12.7 70.6 > $5000 479 1,615 1,349 1,138 1,122 5,703 $1,001–2,000 7.1 11.6 9.5 8.0 7.9 44.1 Total 47,882 40,376 44,978 37,929 37,394 208,560 $2001 – 5000 4.9 19.8 13.3 11.2 11.1 60.3
> $5000 3.1 12.2 9.3 7.8 7.7 40.1 Source: Department of Fisheries
Total income 31.3 57.2 47.3 39.9 39.4 215.1
Home fish The Department of Fisheries stressed The report noted that the annual consumption 1.8 3.6 2.8 2.4 2.4 13.0 that such a “stark” disparity in Tonle value attached to Tonle Sap aquatic Sap incomes was a “serious issue that resources did not include their Aquatic animals needs to be addressed” given the ecological or social values. Moreover, and plants 5.0 high reliance on aquatic resources it stressed that fisheries and other among the poorest households. aquatic resources were only part of Total value 33.1 60.8 50.1 42.3 41.8 233.1 “Their livelihood concerns, such as the overall wetlands of the Tonle Sap
Source: Department of Fisheries secured access to resources and basic that comprise rivers, streams, lakes, rights to food security, jobs, education rice fields, flooded forests and other The report found that most people resources for their livelihoods. But they and health care, should be emphasised areas. The report argued that the vast living around the Tonle Sap were accounted for only 32 percent of total in discussions about the sustainable combined value of Tonle Sap wetlands “highly dependent” on fish and other incomes. By contrast, the richest 12 management of Tonle Sap fisheries and should be taken into account in aquatic resources. It estimated that percent earning more than $2,000 a aquatic ecosystems,” it said. The main considering people’s livelihoods and 150,000 households – almost three year were estimated to account for ethnic origin of Tonle Sap households is their dependency on resources. quarters of all dependent households almost half of the income generated Khmer, with Chinese, Vietnamese and – were in the poorest category with by all Tonle Sap households relying on Cham as minority groups. Sources: Department of Fisheries, Mekong River Commission annual incomes of $1,000 or less, aquatic resources. Such households, the averaging $470 a year or about $78 a study said, are likely to be headed by head. Involved in small-scale subsistence fishing lot owners or those involved in fishing and farming, such households medium-scale fishing. rely heavily or entirely on aquatic
48 49 s e i r e h s i f Bagnet catch hits new record in 2006 One of the most important fisheries in the 10 Tonle sap system is the bagnet fishery on the river north of Phnom Penh which targets trey riel as they leave the lake between October and Community February every year. The bagnet fishery usually accounts for between four and five percent fisheries of Cambodia’s annual fish catch. But during the 2005-6 season, the catch almost doubled to a record 30,000 tonnes, the highest since systematic monitoring of the fishery started in 1995. The Mekong River Commission reported in mid-2006 that the dramatic increase in the bagnet catch may have been caused by crackdown on illegal fishing by the Department of Fisheries in 2004 and 2005. Another factor may have been an abundance of fish during the previous season, which was possibly enhanced by favourable environmental conditions.
Source: Mekong River Commission
photos: Mitchell Isaacs
50 51 C
ommunity fisheries ommunity Under the Sub-decree on Community Community fisheries can be financed Fisheries Management issued by by member contributions and Prime Minister Hun Sen in mid- donations as well as aid from the 2005, people who live in or nearby government, international agencies fishing grounds can voluntarily set and non-governmental organisations. up community fisheries. Members Other financing must be lawful. must be Khmer citizens and reside in Members are obliged to follow the village where the fishing ground is instructions from the Department
located. They have to be committed to: ommunity fisheries
of Fisheries and help set up C • managing inland fisheries and related conservation areas. They are also ecosystems where fishing lots have responsible for guaranteeing equal been cancelled; rights to all members, implementing • managing fish resources in a bylaws, making plans and reaching sustainable and equitable manner; management agreements with the department. • increasing understanding and recognition of fish resources through Members have the right to protection and management; accompany officers in fishing, seizing evidence of fishing violations and they partition or privatise community three years. To draft an agreement, • providing a legal framework for detain offenders. But they cannot areas or enter into any agreements the committee can seek technical community fisheries; and build anything inside community with outsiders – including agreements assistance from fisheries officers and • improving living standards and areas without permission from the involving scientific research. other individuals. Agreements require a map on the scale of 1:50,000, a list reducing poverty Department of Fisheries. Nor can Each community fishery is supposed of committee and other members, to be run by a committee of five, bylaws and regulations, and a statement seven or 11 members elected by of objectives. Draft agreements must secret ballot for a term of five years. be exhibited in prominent public The person who wins the most votes places and in government offices becomes chief of the committee and in the local commune and district the member coming second serves as for 30 days. Commune, district and deputy chief. Local fisheries officers and provincial officials are responsible commune council members can be for dealing with any objections. The invited to observe the election but their Department of Fisheries is responsible presence is not needed for the vote to for approving requests for renewing take place. agreements within 30 days of expiry. Committees are the only bodies Agreements are automatically renewed authorised to seek department if the department does not provide approval of community fishing-area notification within 30 days. agreements lasting no more than
52 53 C
ommunity fisheries ommunity Fishing-area agreements can be ensure sustainability of fishing areas, the cancelled before they expire if the Department of Fisheries may require community damages local fishery management plans to be revised in resources by failing to implement the accordance with other legal instruments 11 agreement or by violating its by-laws related to fisheries. or regulations. Agreements can also The Department of Fisheries has be cancelled if the government decides Forest management warned that the transition to that the area can be put to better public new forms of rights is “always and social use, although this need six in Siem Reap accompanied by fresh conflicts, new months written notice and requires alliances, windows of opportunity the department to discuss community and a variety of threats. In Cambodia’s losses with the committee. A fishing- transition to community fisheries, area agreement can also be cancelled at many of these possibilities are likely the request of the committee and two to emerge,” it says. “It will be wishful thirds of the members. thinking to imagine that once legal Committees that have had their status is attained, the new rights to fishing-area agreements approved communities will be respected by all can request technical assistance members of society.” Being aware of from fisheries officers to prepare a the possibility of new social tensions management plan. Such plans are and helping people to resolve conflicts valid for the same period as fishing- locally will therefore be a major task area agreements but have to be – not only for government agencies but reviewed by provincial and district also civil society organisations involved fisheries offices every year. Committee in developing community fisheries. members are supposed to be involved in following up, monitoring and Source: Department of Fisheries evaluating management plans. To
54 55 F
n i t n e m e g a n a m t s e r o plant rice and mung bean crops. An focussed on Thnorl Dach, an area of
Forest estimated 400 hectares of flooded forest 2,660 hectares in Sonikum district e a p R management on the northern shore of the lake have where natural resources were being reportedly been cleared to grow rice on destroyed or depleted. In addition to i e m in Siem Reap dry land. Such encroachment into the 830 hectares of flooded forest, the area S flooded forest is not regulated. included 789 hectares of grassland and Both local people and outsiders 500 hectares of lake (Prek Srot Mouch). have long been using the natural In the fisheries sector, production Dry rice agriculture covered 417 resources of Siem Reap province has been eroded by illegal fishing hectares and lotuses covered a further without considering how sustainable and the destruction of flooded forest
125 hectares. photo: allan m ichaud Wcs harvesting and other practices are. areas which are important spawning
S and rearing habitats. Illegal activities The project found that local people local resources through an elected
m e i Such activities partly reflect an “open- access” system whereby resources are include fishing during the spawning did not know how to manage committee. Statutes and regulations
R considered public property or belonging season, electro-fishing and fishing with natural resources and did not feel had to be endorsed by local authorities p a e to adjacent villages. Excessive use of large-scale seine nets. In Prek Sramoach, responsible as they were not involved and government agencies. orest management in resources is acute in flooded areas a village in Sonikum district, the catch in deciding how they were allocated. The first stage for adopting the new F around the Tonle Sap. Despite efforts by of some local fishermen reportedly For example, they were never consulted rules came in 1997 when the Ministry local authorities and non-governmenal dropped from 10 kilograms a day to about illegal fishing regulations but of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries organisations, the unsustainable use only three kilograms a day over a period were supposed to be responsible for designated Khnorlk Dach as a pilot of agricultural, fishery and forestry of two years. enforcing fines. The lack of responsiblity research station. Subsequent research was compounded by people from resources has continued largely In the forestry sector, the recent pace looked into the history, economics and neighbouring areas who could access unabated. of logging for export markets and natural resources of the community, the flooded forest without worrying In the agricultural sector, farmers collecting wood for the domestic leading to a workshop to develop about the adverse impacts of depleting have been clearing flooded forests to market cannot be sustained. Forest management plans. The Department of the resources. cover around the Tonle Sap has been Fisheries approved related regulations seriously reduced by logging as well as To address these problems, the in 1999. clearing of flooded forest. Illegal logging commune and district chiefs as well Community initiatives undertaken is widespread and while logging is as the provincial governor approved since have included replanting regulated, nobody is responsible for a new community management flooded forests and studying controlling firewood collection. structure for local people who use the which types of fishing gear are not resources. All government agencies in To address concerns about sustainable. Other priorities included charge of managing natural resources unsustainable practices, government reducing illegal fishing and the clearing also approved the model, which sought agencies, foreign donors and non- of flooded forest. Reducing the number to conserve and manage the resources governmental organizations have of brick kilns fuelled by wood collected with benefits flowing to the local been promoting various models of from the flooded forest is another community. Under the community community management. One project priority, along with educating local management model, all Cambodians initiated by the United Nations Food people to protect natural resources. living in or close to the project area and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have the right to take part in managing Source: Mekong River Commission
56 57 FIVE PROVINCES AROUND 12 THE TONLE SAP LAKE
KOMPONG CHHNANG s a n i tat i o n
ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER Total Urban Rural a n d
AND SANITATION Safe drinking water (%) 19.3 51.9 16.2
Of which: at e r W Piped water 0.8 3.7 0.6
Tube/pipe well 17.4 41.1 15.1
Bought 1.1 7.1 0.5 d r i n k i n g
Unsafe drinking water (%) 80.7 48.1 83.8 t o
Of which:
Dug well 52.9 25.9 55.5 a c c e s s Spring, river stream, lake/pond rain 24.3 19.8 24.7
Other 3.5 2.4 3.6
Total 100 100 100
Toilet within premises (%) 6.0 29.9 3.7
Source: Ministry of Planning, General Population Census of Cambodia 1998
58 59 s s e c c a PURSAT SIEM REAP Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural
Safe Drinking water (%) 12.3 33.3 8.3 Safe drinking water (%) 13.4 47.1 6.8 o t
Of which: Of which: s a n i tat i o n g n i k n i r d
Piped water 2.9 11.0 1.3 Piped water 0.6 1.7 0.4 a n d
Tube/pipe well 3.5 1.1 4.0 Tube/pipe well 12.2 44.9 5.8 Bought 5.9 21.2 3.0 Bought 0.6 0.5 0.6 W at e r Unsafe drinking water (%) 87.7 66.7 91.7 ter e at Unsafe drinking water (%) 86.6 52.9 93.2 W Of which: Of which:
d n a Dug well 53.3 31.1 57.5 Dug well 69.7 38.0 76.0 Spring, river stream, lake/pond rain 29 34.7 28.0 Spring, river stream, lake/pond, rain. 10.9 7.0 11.6
d r i n k i n g a n o i tat i n a s Other 5.4 0.9 6.2 Other 6.0 7.9 5.6 t o Total 100 100 100 Total 100 100 100 Toilet within premises (%) 8.5 20.8 6.2 Toilet within premises (%) 6.6 28.1 2.4
Source: Ministry of Planning, General Population Census of Cambodia 1998 Source: Ministry of Planning, General Population Census of Cambodia 1998 a c c e s s BATTAMBANG KOMPONG THOM Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Safe drinking water (%) 21.7 57.0 14.2 Safe drinking water (%) 3.6 15.3 2.1 Of which: Of which: Piped water 4.1 17.5 1.3 Piped water 1.7 7.2 1.0 Tube/pipe well 7.8 4.9 8.4 Tube/pipe well 1.4 6.1 0.8 Bought 9.8 34.6 4.5 Bought 0.5 2 0.3 Unsafe drinking water (%) 78.3 43.0 85.8 Unsafe drinking water (%) 96.4 84.7 97.9 Of which: Of which: Dug well 37.8 22.3 41.0 Dug well 77.5 45.9 81.6 Spring, river stream, lake/pond, rain 39.1 20.1 43.1 Spring, river stream, lake/pond, rain 16.2 31.3 14.2 Other 1.4 0.6 1.7 Other 2.7 7.5 2.1 Total: 100 100 100 Total 100 100 100 Toilet within premises (%) 19.9 56.2 12.2 Toilet within premises (%) 13.1 35.2 10.3
Source: Ministry of Planning, General Population Census of Cambodia 1998 Source: Ministry of Planning, General Population Census of Cambodia 1998
60 61 s s e c c a NATIONWIDE TARGETS TO Water quality and
o t IMPROVE ACCESS TO SAFE sanitation
s a n i tat i o n g n i k n i r d
DRINKING WATER BY 2015 The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that less than 30
Source: Ministry of Planning, Cambodia Millennium Development Goals Report, 2003 percent of Cambodia’s rural population has access to safe water and less than a n d
10 percent to adequate sanitation. These are among the lowest rates in the
W The Ministry of Planning said in 2003 that the country overall was on track to meet world. With little public investment to ensure sustainable quantity or to monitor at e r ter e at its Cambodian Millennium Development Goal target for 50 percent of people in quality, the great majority of rural and poor households still rely on groundwater, W rural areas to have access to safe drinking water by 2015. But Cambodia is expected rainwater or surface water.
to fall short of its 80 percent target for urban dwellers by about 10 percentage d n a Others have noted that few people use latrines, clean water jars or boiled points. In 2000, the Ministry of Planning said access to safe drinking water was drinking water and that few wash their hands properly. This contributes to
about 54 percent in urban areas, twice as high as the 27 percent rate in rural areas. d r i n k i n g a n o i tat i n a s the high prevalence of water-related diseases, especially among the rural poor,
and to a very high under-five mortality rate. Consuming water that is unsafe due t o to the presence of water-borne diseases and pollutants is detrimental to health, productivity and learning capacity.
Health – Water & Sanitation Facts a c c e s s UNICEF 2002 Cambodians using improved drinking water 34 % Urban population using improved drinking water 58 % Rural population using improved drinking water 29 % Cambodians with adequate sanitation 16 % Urban population with adequate sanitation 53 % Rural population with adequate sanitation 8 %
Recognising the dire state of the country’s water quality and sanitation, the Royal Government of Cambodia approved the Sub-Decree on Water Pollution Control in 1999. The sub-decree aims to minimise water pollution and improve wastewater management for sustainable water quality suitable for human use.
The government also approved the Sub-Decree on Solid Waste Management in 1999 after a controversy over hazardous waste disposal in Sihanoukville. The sub-decree mainly focuses on household waste and hazardous waste.
Sources: UNICEF and ADB
62 63 the waters start falling. The flooded Diversity forest areas around the Tonle Sap are 13 of fish and particularly rich feeding grounds. other aquatic Inland waters also support many kinds of other aquatic animals. These Diversity of fish and animals include crocodiles, clams, snails, snakes, turtles, frogs, tadpoles and shrimps as The Mekong River has more than well as various birds and insects like other aquatic animals 1,000 species of fish of which about waterbugs. Cambodians eat between 500 are found in Cambodia including 50,000 and 100,000 tonnes of such more than 200 in the Tonle Sap. With aquatic species very year. such diversity, fish occupy all available aquatic habitats and eat many types of Despite high biodiversity, most fish food. For a country with such a high catches in Cambodia are dominated level of fish production like Cambodia, by about 10 species. One survey in the biodiversity is crucial as it can act as a mid-1990s recorded between 44 and “safety valve” each season. 75 species in the catches of large and medium-sized fisheries. But 10 species Fish species range from a tiny rice accounted for about 40 percent of the fish (oryzias mekongensis) of only two
total catch. In fishing lots, the main iversity of fish and other aquatic animals centimetres to the Mekong giant species caught were giant snakeheads D catfish (trey reach), the world’s largest (trey chdao), small river carp (trey freshwater fish which can grow to riel), soldier river barbs (trey chkok) three metres long. More familiar are and river catfish (trey pra). For the catfishes, river carps, snakeheads and bagnet fisheries north of Phnom Penh, climbing perch. Inland waters are also the dominant species apart from trey home to garfish, longtoms, frogfish, pufferfish, eels, sharks, rays and many riel were pelagic river carp (trey slak others. The hundreds of species cover russey) and shark minnows (trey kros). many families with a diversity of Other dominant species recorded in form, feeding habits and modes of the catches were river barbs (trey ach reproduction. kok), small-scale carp (trey pruol), Java barbs (trey chhpin prak) and striped Although some species spawn on the snakeheads (trey roh). floodplains, many migrate upstream to Mekong tributaries in northeast Fish that stay on the plain, like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to snakeheads (trey roh and trey release their eggs. After spawning, chdao), are known as “black fishes” they swim to flooded areas where they as they live in water that has been can gorge on the abundant food until darkened by chemicals from dissolved
64 65 vegetation. Black fishes can tolerate endangered” which means it faces an acidic water that is lacking in oxygen. “extremely high risk” of extinction in Most can breathe air and move the wild. Among the five fishes listed as overland to find new waterbodies. “endangered” and facing a “very high Some can even bury themselves in risk” of extinction in the wild are Julien’s the mud and wait until the next flood. barb (trey trawsak) and Laotian shad Apart from snakeheads, common black (trey kbork). The other three species species of black fishes in Cambodia threatened are in the “lower risk” include climbing perch (trey kranh), category and include the Indochina walking catfish (trey andaing), snakeskin featherback (trey krai). The red list also gouramy (trey kanto) and swamp eels includes the thicklip barb (trey trawsak (oontong). All of these species can sor) and the giant catfish trey( po pruy) survive out of water for long periods. in the “data deficient” category which indicates that these two species may Species that leave flooded feeding also be threatened but that more areas of the floodplain and swim photos: m rc information is required towards rivers as floodwaters recede are known as “white fishes” as they The abundance of these six species spend most of their lives in white has declined sharply as a result of turbid water of running rivers. These overfishing and changes to habitat,
range from the common lowland river hydrology and passage. If the impact iversity of fish and other aquatic animals D catfish (trey chlang) to the highly-prized of fishing is managed, stocks can marbled goby (trey damrei) which is recover if the environment is intact – a often exported to markets like Hong big challenge considering the thousands Kong and Singapore. Other whitefish of dams and other structures that have species include river catfish trey( pra), been built on the Mekong with many giant sheatfish (trey sanday), red-tailed more planned. In the past, agencies tinfoil barbs (trey kahe), black-spot responsible for water management catfish (trey pour) and small-scaled in Mekong region largely ignored croakers (trey promah). fisheries. To prevent more fish species being added to the red list and others The Mekong River has nine fishes on becoming extinct, careful screening the World Conservation Union’s “red and comprehensive mitigation and list” of threatened species including environmental management will be six that used to be important for crucial in the future Cambodian fisheries. The Mekong giant catfish (trey reach) is “critically Source: Mekong River Commission
66 67 the lesser adjutant (trodok toik), spot- Bird diversity billed pelican (tung propes), the milky Birds are the most widely studied stork (reneal sor) and the masked finfoot 14 (popoel teuk) which all face the risk of and best known group of animals in the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. extinction in the wild as well. Species Since 2001, the Wildlife Conservation close to being threatened included Bird diversity Bird Society (WCS) has been carrying out the painted stork (roneal poar), the diversity conservation and monitoring activities black-headed ibis (kangno kloun sor), in two bird communities of great global the oriental darter (smaogn) and the significance. black-necked stork (angkot khmao, also known as dambon kragnou). Prek Toal In the Prek Toal core area in is the only site in Southeast Asia where Battambang, the society has been this last species is known to breed. The counting and protecting large colonies core area also supports up to 30 percent of waterbirds since the late 1990s, with of the global population of most of the increasingly sophisticated monitoring other species. since 2003. In grasslands and farming areas of the floodplain in Kompong Several other large waterbird Thom and Siem Reap, scientists have species that breed around Prek Toal been monitoring and researching have populations that are globally Bengal floricans (ksap) and other species significant. Accounting for more than since 2001. one percent of the Asian populations, these include the little cormorant (kaek The Tonle Sap has the biggest teuk touch), the Indian cormorant (kaek colonies of globally endangered tuk mothym), the great egret (kok waterbirds in Southeast Asia and kroung thom) and the Asian openbill is also an important site for many (changkiel kchang). other threatened species. By 2005, scientists had recorded 210 bird species of which 17 were either threatened or near threatened (see box). For seven waterbird species threatened with
extinction, Prek Toal is either the largest photo: allan m ichaud Wcs or only nesting site in Southeast Asia. Endangered species – those facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild – included the Bengal florican (ksap) and the greater adjutant (trodok thom). Less threatened but still vulnerable are
68 69 photo: eleanor briggs Wcs y t i s r e v i d d r i B How threatened is threatened? Bird Life International, a conservation group based in Britain, is the listing authority for birds that appear on the international Red List of species threatened with extinction. Compiled by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) since 1994, species are evaluated according to biological factors such as decline, population size and distribution as well as the area of geographic distribution. In 2006, the list had more than 16,000 globally-threatened species (of which 7,725 were plants and 8,394 were animals). Birds accounted for 12 percent of the species threatened. More than 800 species already extinct fall into two groups:
Extinct (EX) lesser No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died adjutant Extinct in the wild (EW) Surviving only in cultivation or captivity, or well outside its past area of geographic distribution The three “threatened categories” are: Critically endangered (CR) Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild Endangered (EN) Very high risk of extinction in the wild Vulnerable (VU) High risk of extinction in the wild Other categories are: Near threatened (NT) Close to becoming vulnerable or endangered without ongoing conservation efforts Least concern (LC) Neither threatened or near threatened category including widespread and abundant species Data deficient (DD) Inadequate information to make an assessment Not evaluated (NE) Not yet evaluated Source: World Conservation Union
*photo credits: 1allan michaud Wcs, 2eleanor briggs Wcs, 3Wcs 70 71 y t i s r e v i d d r i B The Tonle Sap also has substantial species are at risk of becoming extinct numbers of other large waterbirds in Laos as well. Vulnerable species that are either extinct or threatened Each of the large waterbird species in neighbouring countries. These • Spot-billed pelican (tung propes) uses Prek Toal only during its include the grey heron (krasar prapes) breeding season. After breeding, Prek Toal has the largest single colony in the world. The estimated 900 to 1,100 which is already extinct as a breeding most birds fly to other parts of pairs in 2005 represented about 20 percent of the global population. Critically species in Thailand. Others include the Bird diversity Cambodia including the Sarus Crane endangered in Thailand. woolly-necked stork (sat kor sor) and Reserve in Ang Trapeang Thmor in the great cormorant (kaek teuk thom), • Milky stork (roneal sor) Banteay Meanchey province and the both critically-endangered in Thailand, Up to 10 pairs are estimated to breed in Prek Toal, making it the only known inland northern plains. Small numbers reach and the purple heron (krasar thnoung) breeding population on the Southeast Asian mainland. With only 10 birds remaining southern Laos, northeast and central which is less threatened but also in Malaysia, Cambodia may soon have the only population Southeast Asia. Thailand and southern Vietnam. endangered in Thailand. All of these • Sarus crane Flocks of up to 30 have been seen in the outer floodplain grasslands around Critically-endangered species Stung Sen, Santuk and Baray in Kompong Thom province as they migrate from their breeding grounds in the northern plains to the Ang Trapeang Thmor • White-shouldered ibis (kangno kloun khmao) reserve in Banteay Meanchey. Since 2002, a growing non-breeding population Up to 20 were sighted in Kompong Thom on different occasions between 1999 has been spending the dry season in the Prolay grassland in Stung Sen. By 2005, and 2004. Extinct in Thailand. this population exceeded 30 individuals. Extinct in Thailand. Endangered species Near-threatened species • Bengal florican (ksap) • Painted stork (roneal poar) The eastern Tonle Sap floodplain has the largest known breeding population Prek Toal supports a breeding population of about 1,000 pairs, or 20 percent of in Southeast Asia and possibly the world. Monitoring of males at three sites the global population. Endangered in Thailand. between 2002 and 2004 indicated between 64 and 122 individuals. • Black-headed ibis (kangno kloun sor) • Greater adjutant (trodok thom) Although numbers cannot be counted reliably because they nest in thick With 54 breeding pairs in 2003-4, the Prek Toal core area had the second- shrubland, Prek Toal supports the largest breeding colony in Southeast Asia. largest colony in the world with more than 10 percent of the global population. Post-breeding counts in the Sarus Crane Reserve in Banteay Meanchey peaked at Critically endangered in Thailand. 1,600 in 2003. If half of these were breeding adults, the 400 pairs would represent between 8 and 15 percent of the global population. Endangered in Thailand.
Vulnerable species • Oriental darter (smaogn) • Lesser adjutant (trodok toik) Numbers have risen dramatically from 280 nests counted in 2001 to 1,870 Prek Toal has the largest known breeding population in Southeast Asia, with nests in 2004-5. Further increases may pose management problems. Critically about 10 percent of the global population. Numbers rose from 149 nesting pairs endangered in Thailand. in 2003-4 to 209 pairs in 2004-5. Critically endangered in Thailand. Sources: Wildlife Conservation Society, Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve Secretariat
72 73 in recent years. Between mid-2004 and Reptile the beginning of 2005, an estimated 15 diversity 3.8 million snakes were caught with rainbow watersnakes accounting for
The Tonle Sap may be the single between 72 percent and 80 percent d i v e r s i t y most important wetland for reptile of the overall catch. The second most Reptile conservation in Southeast Asia. The abundant species was the Tonle Sap biosphere reserve is believed to support water snake which accounted for half r e p t i l e internationally-significant populations diversity the catch in the southern part of the of at least eight species that are either reserve. Over exploitation is likely to threatened with extinction or close threaten this species which is native to to being threatened (see threatened the lake and believed to be Cambodia’s categories on page 70). These include only endemic reptile. Other species are the critically-endangered Siamese the puff-faced watersnake and Bocourt’s crocodile, the near-threatened Burmese watersnake. Both are targeted for their python and six species of freshwater skins which are exported to Thailand, turtle, including the endangered yellow- Vietnam and China. In 2004, the skin of headed temple turtle. a Bocourt’s watersnake could fetch up The reserve is also home to the to 10 dollars a piece. This species is also world’s largest snake harvest, largely traded live for its meat and is considered fuelled by the explosive growth in locally rare as a result of excessive crocodile farms around the Tonle Sap harvesting. photo: allan m ichaud Wcs
74 75 photo: allan m ichaud Wcs e l i t p e r Critically-endangered species
y t i s r e v i d • Siamese crocodile Wild populations have recently plummeted as eggs, young and adults are harvested to stock crocodile farms. At least 105 crocodiles were collected from the Tonle Sap between 1998 and 2002. Very small numbers are believed to exist in the three core areas as well as Dei Ronet, Fishing Lot No.6 and the flooded forest area next to Prek Toal. Some “wild” crocodiles may, in fact, be animals that either escaped or were released from crocodile farms. These may include Cuban crocodiles and a hybrid species that are also farmed.
• River terrapin The discovery of two shells buried in lake sediment in 1985 confirmed that this species used to occur in the Tonle Sap but recent surveys have found no evidence of its continued existence around the lake. The species has been designated as Cambodia’s national reptile. Endangered species
• Yellow-headed temple turtle Cambodia is probably the most important country in the Lower Mekong Basin for this turtle, considered the third most common species in the Tonle Sap. It occurs in Prek Toal and has been recorded in markets in Chong Kneas and Kompong Thom. It has also been reported by hunters in Kompong Chhnang province including Kompong Leng commune.
• Asian giant soft-shell turtle Cambodia probably supports a regionally-important population of this enigmatic species, possibly the most important in Southeast Asia. The species is often reported in the Tonle Sap but there are no confirmed specimens or photographs.
• Elongated tortoise The species has recently been seen in markets in Kompong Chhnang but there are no specimens or photographs to confirm its occurrence in the Tonle Sap.
*photo credits: 1allan michaud Wcs, 2eleanor briggs Wcs, 3Wcs 76 77 e l i t p e r
Vulnerable species
y t i s r e v i d • Asian box turtle 16 The second most common turtle in the Tonle Sap is becoming harder to find in the wild. It has recently been recorded in Prek Toal and a captive individual has been photographed in Sary village in Kompong Thom province. It is believed to DirectoryMammal be still widespread in the lowlands of Cambodia, which probably supports the largest population in Indochina. diversity
• Black marsh turtle The Cambodian population may be the largest in Southeast Asia. Around the Tonle Sap, it occurs in ponds away from the lake itself. The turtle is not favoured for its meat, which is considered foul-smelling and even inedible.
• Great Asian pond turtle Recently reported in Kompong Chhnang province, this species is thought be scarce.
• Malayan snail-eating turtle The most numerous turtle around the Tonle Sap, this species is favoured for its meat and is also used for traditional medicine. It occurs in floating ricefields in Kompong Thom between August and December, and is believed to inhabit flooded forests outside this period.
• Asiatic soft-shell turtle Although regarded as common around the Tonle Sap, its numbers have seriously declined and the species is rare in Kompong Chhnang. The turtle is strongly favoured for its meat. Near-threatened species • Burmese python In the Stung Sen and Boeung Chhma core areas, this species is heavily hunted for its skin, meat and blood for both domestic and export markets. In the Prek Toal core area, some fishermen use special nets to catch pythons while others use their hands. Females make their nets on the ground in dense scrub during the dry season, typically laying 20 to 30 eggs.
Sources: Wildlife Conservation Society, Independent Journalism Foundation
78 79 photo: allan m ichaud Wcs l a m m a m the Tonle Sap, possibly as recently Mammal as only 10 years ago. It is highly likely diversity that the Tonle Sap floodplain used to be
y t i s r e v i d an important seasonal habitat for such The mammals of the Tonle Sap have mammals. It also seems likely that the not been well studied and no specific disappearance of the Irrawaddy dolphin surveys have been conducted for any (trey psaut) from the lake is very recent. species. Incidental observations have Among the mammal species that been made during bird and reptile still occur around the lake, some are surveys. Other records come from globally threatened (see threatened rangers in Prek Toal, market specimens categories on page 70). In addition, and captive animals. some may occur in numbers that are Large herbivores such as elephants, internationally significant. wild buffalo and deer have disappeared from the wild around
Vulnerable species • Smooth otter In 2002, hunters near Kbal Toal near the Prek Toal core area caught an individual, which is the only confirmed record of the species in the biosphere reserve.
• Fishing cat Local people frequently report this species. In 2002, tracks were recorded by dried up pools in the outer floodplain of the Prek Toal core area and separate tracks were recorded in Kruos Kraom.
• Pygmy slow loris Fishermen and hunters have reported the species in the Prek Toal area. Authorities confiscated a loris from a hunter in Prek Toal in 2000 but the species was not confirmed.
*photo credits: 1allan michaud Wcs, 2eleanor briggs Wcs, 3Wcs, 4carly starr, 5nick cox wwf 80 81 l a m m a m
Near-threatened species • Long-tailed macaque
y t i s r e v i d 17 This monkey is widespread and common in taller flooded forest and scrubland areas around the Tonle Sap, especially along the shore of the lake. The population has probably declined as a result of hunting to supply captive Biodiversity breeding facilities in Cambodia as well as China and Vietnam. Authorities have seized consignments of up to 170 individuals from hunters and traders in Prek in Boeung Chhmar Toal and Kompong Thom, especially during the wet season. Captive individuals are also seen in many of the floating villages around the lake. Data-deficient species • Germain’s silver leaf monkey Although currently not listed by the World Conservation Union as globally threatened, some believe this monkey may qualify as a vulnerable or even endangered species in the future. The species occurs in the Prek Toal and Boeung Chhmar core areas as well as the Veal Sangrai bird sanctuary. The relative importance of the Tonle Sap population is not yet clear. photo: allan m ichaud Wcs • Hairy-nosed otter Two of the four confirmed records of this species come from the Tonle Sap – two individuals in Prek Toal and a third in Peam Bang village near the Boeung Chhmar cora area. Local villagers say the species may be close to extinction in the Prek Toal area.
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society
82 83 photo: eleanor briggs Wcs g n u e o B n i y t i s r e v i d o i B have also been observed, especially area’s resources require an integrated Biodiversity in the dry season. Significant species approach involving all stakeholders, include spot-billed pelicans, greater especially local people, with a focus on in Boeung h h m a r
and lesser adjutant storks, giant ibises, fisheries management and sustainable C
Chhmar photo: allan m ichaud Wcs milky storks, African darters and Asian farming. Local awareness of the openbills.Twenty-three species of snakes importance of the flooded forest needs Boeung Chhmar is one of three core have been identified and monitor lizards to be raised and alternative livelihoods areas of the Tonle Sap Biosphere have also been reported. Turtles used and sources of energy need to be Reserve and also a globally- to be abundant but are now rare. There developed. At the same time, initiatives recognised wetland under the seem to have been no studies on fish, are required to reduce the extraction Ramsar convention (see page 24). amphibians or invertebrates in the area, of local resources and promote “non- C The biological diversity of the lake r a m h h although dragonflies and damselflies extractive” alternatives. and surrounding creeks is valuable are highly diverse and terrestrial insects for conservation, education and local are abundant in the swamps, especially
people. Biodiversity in Boeung grasshoppers and crickets. Two rivers flow into the area from Unsustainable practices – illustrated Cambodia’s northern plateau. These
by the decline in large species of fish photo: allan m ichaud Wcs are the Stoung River with a catchment and smaller catches – may undermine area of 1,895 square kilometres and levees and swamps. Water hyacinth the value of Boeung Chhmar the Chikreng River with a catchment of (kamphlaok) is abundant along resources and damage long-term 1,920 square kilometres. Seasonal water waterways and is commonly found sustainability. Efforts to protect the fluctuations and plants within the creek with several other species including system make the area ecologically rich utricularia aurea (saraey). The area also in terms of nutrients and harvestable has many tall trees of up 15 metres that products. can survive the annual flood such as Boeung Chhmar is made up of Barringtonia actangulata (daem reang four distinct habitats. The lake and teuk), Terminalia cambodiana (daem ta associated waterways cover about 4,000 ue) and Diospiros cambodiana (daem hectares. Other habitats are the flooded phtuol) The shrubland area of the forest area next to the Tonle Sap and swamps include meadows of the low- flooded shrub areas with brushes along growing Polygonum barbatum (kantean with grassland and savannah areas hae). which include reeds, rushes and small Boeung Chhmar is an important species of bamboo. animal refuge. Mammals reportedly A survey of plants around Boeung include long-tailed macaques, capped Chhmar has recorded 190 species langurs, fishing cats, otters and from 67 families. Vegetation is civets. Large colonies of waterbirds, generally found in waterways, creek including globally-threatened species, photo: eleanor briggs Wcs
84 85 The report found that Siem Reap Millennium and Kompong Thom were among o a l s
Development the nine “worst off” provinces in G 18 terms of drinking water, sanitation, Goals forest coverage and dependency Under the Millennium Declaration on wood for fuel. The situation was Millennium signed by all 189 members of the “moderate” in Pursat, Kompong United Nations General Assembly in Chhnang and Battambang. None of
Development Goals 2000, the government is supposed to the provinces around the Tonle Sap evelopment D ensure the country’s environmental fell into the “best off” category which sustainability. One of the 25 targets comprised Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, to be met by Cambodia by 2015 is to Kandal, Kratie and Koh Kong as well as “integrate the principles of sustainable the municipalities of Phnom Penh, Pailin
development into government policies and Sihanoukville. i l l e n n i u m
and programs and reverse the loss of M Forest coverage nationwide is environmental resources.” A progress projected to fall below the target report released by the Ministry of of 60 percent between 2005 and Planning in 2004 indicated that this 2015. Despite replanting since 1985, was one of only three targets that the report noted that forest coverage would “probably” be met by 2015. fell from 73 percent of the country’s The report said the there was “strong” total land area in 1969 to less than support for meeting three other targets 59 percent in 1997. With almost two (decreasing the spread of HIV/AIDS and million hectares of forest lost by 2002, halving the number of people without the annual rate of decline since the sustainable access to safe drinking 1960s has been running at around 0.5 water and improved sanitation). But percent. support was only “fair” for meeting the environmental targets for which For increasing access to safe drinking are being measured by 14 specific water and improving sanitation, the indicators. outlook was mixed. The report found In a foreword to the report, Prime that the government was on track to Minister Hun Sen highlighted meet its target for 50 percent of rural the importance of meeting the households to have access to safe environmental goals. “Cambodia’s drinking water by 2015 but would fall natural resources must remain the short of its 80 percent target for urban focus of our attention if we are to pass households. On the other hand, efforts on this tremendous legacy of a rich to improve sanitation were well ahead environmental heritage to the next of target with projections showing that generation,” he said. 100 percent of urban people and 55
86 87 M percent of rural people would have in rural areas is supposed to have Energy substitution is a key challenge m u i n n e l l i access to improved sanitation by 2015. sustained access to safe water supplies for meeting the environmental and sanitation services by 2025. The o a l s
To achieve the targets, the World Bank targets. The government aims to G has estimated that 600 million dollars strategy, which is being carried out by reduce the dependency on wood for will have to be invested on water and the Ministry of Rural Development, fuel from 92 percent of households
D sanitation. Under the Rural Water and also envisages that all people in rural to 52 percent by 2015. Rural people t n e m p o l e v e Sanitation Strategy adopted by the areas will be living in a “hygienic rely almost exclusively on wood for Council of Ministers in 2003, everybody environment” by 2025. energy. Investment in the production
and distribution of cheap alternatives is evelopment D Targets for ensuring environmental therefore considered a priority. sustainability Other challenges include G strengthening community s l a o INdicator Benchmark 2005 2010 2015 management of natural resources
Forest coverage (% of total land) 60 * 60 60 60 and government management of i l l e n n i u m M public land as well as coordinating 23 protected areas (mil ha) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 government agencies and donors. s Water hyacinth briquettes are a good use Six forest protected areas (mil ha) 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 The Ministry of Planning report noted of an invasive plant species. Fuel efficient Rangers in protected areas 600 772 987 1,200 that a “significant overlap” between stove – less wood, same output. Rangers in six forestry ministries had led to conflicts between 500 500 500 500 protected areas authorities, and that the responsibilities of various ministries should be clarified. Fishing lots allocated to 56 58 60 60 The report called for better coordination communities (%) among government agencies, between Number of community fisheries 264 364 464 589 the government and donors and also Fish sanctuaries (thousand ha) 264 581 581 581 among donors themselves. Households depending 92 70 61 52 Reducing population growth and on fuel wood (%) improving the government’s capacity Rural people with safe water (%) 24 30 40 50 to manage the environment are also important. The report noted that Urban people with safe water (%) 60 68 74 80 s A biodigester. The family adds animal Cambodia suffered from a “dearth Rural people with improved manure to the bag, which then breaks 8.6 12 20 30 of technical capacity” which was down to produce gas which can be used for sanitation (%) compounded by the multi-sectoral cooking. Urban people with improved 49 59 67 74 nature of environmental issues ranging The report said Cambodian laws sanitation (%) from land management to biodiversity were “not well implemented due Titled land (%) 15 16 32 65 and forest management. The report to political influence, uncontrolled * benchmark based on average forecast coverage between 1992 and 2002 also highlighted the need to carry out development and wealthy people’s Source: Ministry of Planning strategic and political commitments. interests.” To ensure transparency and accountability and to combat
88 89 M m u i n n e l l i 19 D t n e m p o l e v e Environmental education G s l a o
s Floating garden in Siem Reap.
corruption, it called for justice, military forest resources, the report called for and police reforms. the promotion of alternative livelihoods for people living near protected The Ministry of Planning concluded areas. To promote investment in the that better management of natural energy, water and forestry sectors, the resources could help fuel Cambodia’s report highlighted the importance of development by helping to reduce transparent and equitable laws that poverty, develop rural areas and are enforced. It also stressed the need create jobs. In addition to improved for greater recycling of materials by management and strengthened industries. institutional capacity to implement the Convention on Biodiversity, the report Source: Ministry of Planning called for performance standards for water and sanitation to be enforced. Monitoring of strategies and laws needed to be reinforced, along with co- management of fuel wood resources. The report also called for environmental assessments of hydropower schemes in protected areas and frameworks to improve the security of land tenure with campaigns to raise awareness of land rights. To reduce the dependency on s Mushrooms can be grown in the roof.
90 91 E
al educa n o i at c u d e l ta n e m n o r i v n copies of a training manual with 14 adapted from the training manual. World Day” and a quarterly newsletter. Environmental themes. In late 2004, they reviewed the The centre had also developed a video The Tonle Sap Environmental manual based on teacher feedback. By on protecting flooded forests as well education Management Project (TSEMP) under late 2005, Osmose had trained about as posters and signs to support the the Cambodian National Mekong Environmental education around 40 teachers to use the manual and Mlup education program. Committee has two key activities the Tonle Sap has been targeting Baitong had trained another 32 to use The FAO also trains monks and related to environmental education. local communities, teachers and parts of it to run extra-curricular ‘eco- has developed an environmental One involves Live and Learn, which primary school students but is clubs’ for primary students in Kompong training manual centred on Buddhist carried out an 18-month National still in its infancy. Providers include Speu province. Save Cambodia’s Wildlife themes. Twenty monks in four pagodas Environmental Education and Awareness Osmose and the Food and Agriculture used extracts to train more than 200 had undergone such training by late Campaign (NEEAC) that started in mid- Organisation (FAO) of the United teachers in Kampot, Koh Kong, Pursat, 2005. Mlup Baitong also carries out 2005. Involving both national and local
Nations in Siem Reap along with Mlup Kratie, Mondolkiri, Ratanakiri and Stung environmental education through nvironmental education
stakeholders, the campaign is focused E Baitong, Save Cambodia’s Wildlife and Treng. Mlup Baitong and Osmose pay pagodas. on the environmental, economic Live & Learn Environmental Education teachers to include environmental Among other initiatives, Cambodia and social aspects of the Tonle Sap in Phnom Penh. In the absence of education alongside school lessons. Family Development Services (CFDS), as a provider of food with special formal assessments of these initiatives, Mlup Baitong also broadcasts radio Soutien a l’Initiative Pour l’Aide a la it is difficult to determine their impact programs from the Women’s Media Reconstruction (SIPAR) and Forum hydrology and specific threats. The including which tools have been Centre twice a week in a format that NGO have also developed educational campaign produced a status report on successful and which need further includes two 15-minute segments materials. These are on a smaller scale Cambodia’s environmental education, development to bring about real on environmental issues and a one- and are mostly posters and stories sponsored radio programs and change. hour show that receives call-ins. The for community use. The Community theatrical performances, and established impact of these programs has not been Sanitation and Recycling Organisation a one-year internship program with In 2003, the FAO collaborated with successfully measured. (CSARO) meanwhile works on recycling Rasmei Kampuchea in the five Tonle Osmose, Save Cambodia’s Wildlife projects in Phnom Penh and Japan Sap provinces. The other key activity and Mlup Baitong to publish 1,000 In Siem Reap, fishing techniques and International Cooperation Agency (JICA) involves the Tonle Sap Conservation livelihoods from around the Tonle has been involved in environmental Project (TSCP) of the UNDP and the Sap are on display at the Greater awareness training for government Global Environmental Facility of the Environment Chong Khneas Office officers. United Nations. This project has an (Gecko Centre) established by The provincial environment environmental awareness, education the FAO in 1999. The fixed floating departments in Battambang and and outreach program through schools structure also has some small exhibits Pursat have also produced posters. and environmental training centres. on biodiversity. While the target These were developed with the Ministry These include management centres for audience was supposed to include of Environment’s Department of local fishing communities and tourists, Nature Conservation and Protection the three core areas of the Tonle Sap most visitors have been students and Department of Environment as Biosphere Reserve (Prek Toal, Boeung living nearby. About 5,000 students well as the Technical Co-ordination Chhma and Stueng Sen) and floating had visited the centre as of late 2005. Unit in Prek Toal. The ministry itself has centres in Kompong Chhnang and By this time, groups of 16 primary an Environmental, Communications Pursat as well as the Gekco Centre in students were visiting the Gecko Centre and Information Unit that focuses on Siem Reap. once a week for a one-hour session community efforts for “Clean Up the Source: Live and Learn Environmental Education
92 93 20 g l o s s a ry glossary of terms
94 95 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry
96 97 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry
98 99 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry
100 101 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry
102 103 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry photo: L &
104 105 ry a s s o l g g l o s s a ry
106 107 21 Abbreviations and acronyms reviations and acronyms a B B
108 109 B B a tions and acronyms m y n o r c a d n a s n o i at i v e r reviations and acronyms a B B
110 111 B B a tions and acronyms m y n o r c a d n a s n o i at i v e r reviations and acronyms a B B
Tree planting photo: L &
Coconut beehive
112 113 B B a tions and acronyms m y n o r c a d n a s n o i at i v e r 22 Directory
114 115 B B a Directory Angkor Participatory Association de la Jeunesse Bhikhu, Heng Mony Chenda and a tions and acronyms m y n o r c a d n a s n o i at i v e r Development Organization pour l’Animation (AJA) group of monks at the Site 2 refugee camp in Thailand in 1990. Now based The following is a list of government (APDO) Phnom Penh institutions, multilateral agencies, at a wat in Battambang, its goal is to Siem Reap Authorised by the Ministry of Interior bilateral donors and non-governmental achieve sustainable socio-economic Established by former United Nations in 1988, AJA coordinate plans for organisations involved in environmental development of the population of Volunteers in 2000, APDO is involved in academic education as part of Accueil education in Cambodia. It includes northwest Cambodia. In addition to community activities around Angkor. Its Cambodgien. Its Maison des Jeunes information from the Cooperation Battambang, it operates in Banteay project for sustainable human resource Cambodgiens in Kampot provides Committee for Cambodia and is based Meanchey, Pailin, Siem Reap, Kompong development aims to “enhance rural foreign-language education and extra on the directory contained in a status Thom, Preah Vihear and Phnom Penh. capacity” to alleviate poverty and classes for school subjects as well as report on Cambodia’s environmental Heng Monychenda, Director support village self-reliance for socio- computing, sports and other programs. Tel: (053) 370 041 education published in 2006 as part of reviations and acronyms economic, cultural, and environmental The association also provides education E-mail: [email protected] the Tonle Sap Management Project. Web: www.bfdkhmer.org development. on health and the environment. a B B Wat Anlongville, Srok Sangke, Battambang Angkor Center for the Tek Sakan Savuth, Director Mao Kolbtr, Director Email: [email protected] Tel: 881 363/016 880 593 E-mail: aja@ Buddhism for Development Conservation of Biodiversity forum.org.khaja, [email protected] Website: www.apdoangkor.org Kompong Thom (BFDK) (ACCB) 0630, Group 12, Wat Bo village, Salar #99, St. 608, Boeung Kork II, Tuol Kork, Kamroek Commune, Siem Reap Phnom Penh Kompong Thom Siem Reap Bondos Komar Registered as an NGO since 2000, Education centre with a library and Association Cambodgienne Buddhism for Development Kompong classroom at the foot of Phnom Kbal d’Approvisionnement en Phnom Penh Thom is involved in community-forestry Spean. Affiliated with the Ministry of Set up by French NGO Partage, Bondos Eau (ACAPE) and organic-farming projects. Venerable Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Komar has been operating since 1999. It Phnom Penh Ly Khom started its activities at Vor Germany’s Stiftung Artenschutz and supports government primary and pre- ACAPE has been implementing water Yeav in 1997 with the establishment of Allwetterzoo in Munster, the center schools through projects ranging from projects in Cambodia since 1988 and savings groups in three villages, two rice especially aims to help preserve small, school construction and rehabilitation developed a professional training team banks and a pagoda-based tree nursery. inconspicuous or “ugly” species. Runs to sanitation, hygiene, health education in 1991. Established as a local NGO in Ly Khom, Director Tel: 012 734 467 a beekeeping program in villages and vegetable gardens. Bondos Komar 1995, it has experience in the fields of E-mail: 012 [email protected] between Kbal Spean and Siem Reap works in Pursat, Kandal, Kompong community water supply and sanitation. National Road 6, Kompong Thom and is considering a breed and release Speu, and Takeo provinces. It operates in Banteay Meanchey, program for endangered species. Plans Community Economic Kompong Thom, Kompong Speu, Kong Sarom, Director Tel: 216 023 public displays of confiscated wildlife Fax: 215 591 E-mail: bondoskomar@ Development (CED) Pursat, Kampot and Kandal provinces. and workshops for adults and children camnet.com.kh #6, St. 388, Tuol Svay Prey Kratie Ros Saroeun, Director I, Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh to increase environmental awareness. Tel: (023) 802 131 Registered with the Ministry of Interior [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] #282, Buddhism for Development in 2003, CED works in an area targeting Northbridge St, Sleng Roleung, Teuk Thla, (BFD) 67 villages, 16 communes and four Phnom Penh Battambang districts in Kratie. It has three main BFD was founded by Indapanno programs involved in non-formal
116 117 B B a education, health education and opportunities for those engaged in solid and aims to provide vocational training E-mail: [email protected] 4, Peal Nhek, Phtas Prey Commune,
tions and acronyms m y n o r c a d n a s n o i at i v e r integrated agriculture and animal waste management. Work is focussed on environment, democracy and human Sam Poa Meas District, Pursat Province husbandry. Other activities include on Phnom Penh. rights. natural resource preservation. Heng You Kora, Programme Director Po Tieng, Director Fisheries Action Coalition
Yos Pheary, Team Coordinator Tel/Fax: 023 211 116 E-mail: csaro@online. Tel: 016 555 144 / 012 923 642 Team (FACT) d i r e c t o ry com.kh Web: http://www.bigpond.com. E-mail: [email protected] Kilo 6, E-mail: [email protected] Phnom Penh St. 3, Tropang Pring, Kratie kh/users/csaro/organization_info.htm St. 214/143, Boeung Prolit, 7 Makara, #71, St. 368/163, Tuol Svay Prey 1, Phnom Penh FACT was set up in 2003 by NGO Community Legal Education Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Development Program for members working on fisheries and Centre (CLEC) Culture and Environment Khmer Students (DPKS) environmental issues around the Tonle Phnom Penh Sap. Established as part of an NGO Preservation Association Pursat CLEC provides education, advocacy and (CEVA) Forum sub-working group on fisheries, Established by people with backgrounds other legal services. It was created in it gained support from different Phnom Penh in education, communications and 1996 as legal resource centre promoting international NGOs such as Oxfam and Established in 1995 and registered as child rights, DPKS supports children and the rule of law, justice and democracy. the Environmental Justice Foundation. an NGO the following year, CEVAS young people with limited access to From 1996 to 2001, it operated In 2004, it separated from the NGO provides training on environmental their rights. It registered with provincial under the University of San Francisco Forum. Working around the Tonle Sap and natural resource management authorities and the Ministry of Interior Law School and was funded by the and in coastal provinces, FACT conducts to university students, NGO staff and in 2000 and is involved in community United States Agency for International advocacy in the area of fisheries issues government officers. Target areas are forestry and environmental protection. Development (USAID). In 2002, it and monitors policy reform. Phnom Penh and Stung Treng. Activities registered as a local NGO. CLEC has a Lov Bunlieng, Director Mak Sithirith, Executive Director included community forestry and Tel/Fax: 092 932 654 public-interest legal advocacy project Tel: (023) 992 044 fisheries, the Sesan Protection Network E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] focussing on land and natural resources. 444, Phsar Chas, Peal Neak1, Sampao Meas, and river-based management. Web: www.fact.org.kh 71, St. 592, Work is mainly in Ratanakiri and Pursat Province Boeung Kak II, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Mondulkiri provinces. Tep Bunnarith, Acting Director Tel/Fax: (023) 369 179/720 062 Environment Protection and Food and Agriculture Yeng Virak, Executive Director E-mail: [email protected] Development Organization Tel: 211 723 Web: www.cepa-cambodia.org Organization (FAO) E-mail: [email protected] #40, St. 352, Boeung Kang Korng, (EPDO) Phnom Penh Web: http://www.bigpond.com.kh/users/ Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Pursat usfpp/CLEC_home.htm The UN agency’s mandate is to raise #56, St. 306, Boeung Kang Kang 1, Development Association of Founded in 1998 with the support of levels of nutrition, improve agricultural Phnom Penh Cambodia (DAC) national and international organizations productivity, better the lives of rural Community Sanitation and Phnom Penh in Pursat, EPDO works in the areas populations and contribute to economic of good governance and poverty growth. In Cambodia, its activities Recycling Organization Started in 1994 and registered with reduction. It is involved in community included integrated pest management (CSARO) the Ministry of Interior in 1999, forestry and livelihoods activities and and resource management. The agency the association has a cooperation Phnom Penh efforts to promote public participation is particularly active in Siem Reap. agreement on non-formal education Founded in 1997, CSARO aims to raise in democracy. with the Ministry of Education Youth Tel: (855 23) 216 566 sanitary, health and environmental E-mail: [email protected] and Sport. It focuses on Pursat province Uth Samrith, Executive Director standards and generate new Tel: 012 962 635 Fax: 052 951 665 Web:http://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/
118 119 ry o t c e r i d House 5, Street 370, Boeung Keng Kang 1. one of its key objectives. JICA operates extension staff in the forestry and Education and Training Office Phnom Penh nationwide. fisheries departments. Tel: 855 23 216019 Fax: 23 212540 Future for Cambodian Mr. Juro Chikararaishi, Representative Tel: (855) 23 211 351 Fax: 23 217 320 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 023 212 142 / 023 211 673 / 217129 E-mail: [email protected] # 48 Samdech Preah Sihanouk, Children (FCC) Fax: 023 211 675 / 015 913 639 Web: http://www.maff.gov.kh/ Tonle Bassac, Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh d i r e c t o ry Siem Reap E-mail:[email protected] #200 Norodom Blvd, Sangkat Tonle Basak, Web: www.jica.org.kh Khan Chamkarmorn, Phnom Penh Ministry of Water Resources Registered by the Ministry of Interior #440A/448Eo, Preah Monivong Boulevard, in 2000, FCC aims to educate children Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Ministry of Education, Youth and Meteorology about art and culture. Its activities Phnom Penh Live and Learn and Sport include shadow puppet theatre. Phnom Penh The ministry conducts extension Environmental Education activities around the country. Ky Moeng, Executive Director The ministry oversees the Faculty Tel: 012 920 506 Phnom Penh of Pedagogy which trains teaching Tel: (855 23) 724 327/882 160 E-mail: [email protected] Registered as a local NGO in 2005, Live E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.h6.dion.ne.jp/fcc methodology to graduates before they and Learn Environmental Education Web: www.mowram.gov.kh Brasat Bakong, Siem Reap start teaching. A one-year curriculum #47 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh promotes greater understanding Greater Environment includes basic environmental knowledge and action toward human and that can be integrated into professional Mlup Baitong Chong Khneas Office environmental sustainability through teaching subjects. Phnom Penh (Gecko Centre) education and dialogue building. The Mlup Baitong is one of the few NGOs Siem Reap Ministry of Environment contracted Professor Kong Phoumika, Deputy Academic Officer in Cambodia with a specific focus on Live and Learn to carry out a National Fixed floating structure established by Tel: (23) 362 342 environmental education. Established Environmental Education and Awareness E-mail: [email protected] the Food and Agricultural Organisation by a British NGO in 1998, it was Campaign as part of the Tonle Sap Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh in 1999 to display fishing techniques locally registered in 2001. It aims to Environmental Management Project and local livelihoods. Also has some Ministry of Environment increase environmental awareness in 2005 and 2006. Activities are small exhibits on biodiversity. About Phnom Penh and conservation through education, focussed on Kompong Chhnang, Pursat, 5,000 students had visited the centre The ministry has a Department of training, advocacy and other services to Battambang, Siem Reap and Kompong as of late 2005. By this time, groups of Environmental Education, Information support the sustainable and equitable Thom. 16 primary students were visiting the and Communication. Its role is to use of natural resources. It mainly works centre once a week. The centre has Keat Bunthan, Environmental Education improve environmental knowledge in Kompong Speu and Kompong Thom. also developed a video on protecting Officer; Chum Somonn, Media Officer Tel: 023 224 053 E:[email protected] and awareness through formal and Va Moeurn, Executive Director flooded forests as well as posters and Website: www.idea.org.au/liveandlearn/ non-formal education to ensure that Tel: 023 214 409 signs. 364, Preah Monivong Blvd, Khan natural resources carefully managed and E-mail: [email protected] Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh http://www.mlup.org/ conserved in sustainable way. Under Japan International #37B, St. 113, Sangkat Beung Keng Kang II, Ministry of Agriculture, the department is an Environmental Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh Cooperation Agency (JICA) Forestry and Fisheries Education and Training Office set up in Phnom Penh 1994, NGO Forum Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Operating in Cambodia since 1993, Sou Savuth, Director, Department of The ministry has a Department the Japanese government agency has Environmental Education, Information and Started as an international campaign of Agricultural Extension and also environmental resource management as Communication to end the aid embargo of Cambodia Roath Sith, Chief Officer, Environmental
120 121 ry o t c e r i d in 1986, NGO Forum now focuses on Promvihearthor Studies. With support from Danida and in Battambang in 2003, SEA was national issues such as development Pursat Roskilde University in Denmark as well registered by the Ministry of Interior policies and sustainable management as the Asian Institute of Technology in in 2004. It aims to reduce and prevent Set up in in Kandieng district in Pursat of natural resources. It is involved Thailand, the department has developed pollution and the destruction of the province in 2000, Promvihearthor is
in environmental awareness, forest a curriculum of 33 courses. It has also environment and to improve knowledge d i r e c t o ry involved in sculpture, raising animals, livelihoods and the Sesan network. conducted training courses in areas of environmental protection. and cultivating plants and vegetables. such as solid waste management and Russell Peterson, Representative In addition to community forestry and Phan Sokhoeut, Executive Director Siv Senith, Deputy Representative environmental management planning. Tel: 012 647 541 Fax: 035 852 448 agricultural activities, it works in the Tel: 023 986 269 The department has undertaken several E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.ngoforum.org.kh areas of human rights and HIV/AIDS. 3 Sangke Pagoda, Rattanak, Battambang #9-11, St. 476, Toul Tompoung 1, research projects including fisheries Phnom Penh Khoun Narin, Executive Director management in Boeung Chhmar. Save Cambodia’s Wildlife Tel: 012 581 022 E-mail: [email protected] Va Dany and Seak Sophat (SCW) Osmose Tel: (011) 876 037, 016 506 888 Peal Nhek 2, Phtas Prey Commune, Phnom Penh Siem Reap Sam Poa Meas District, Pursat province [email protected] Room 112, RUPP Main Building, Save Cambodia’s Wildlife has a specific Osmose, is a not-for-profit association Room to Read Russian Confederation Blvd., Phnom Penh focus on environmental education. running an ecotourism project in Prek Phnom Penh Registered as a local NGO in 2000, it Toal, Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, which Rural Community aims to protect and conserve wildlife focuses on preserving and sustaining Room to Read provides education to Environment Development and habitats through education. the waterbird colonies of the lake, while underprivileged children. In 2002, it Organization (RCEDO) Projects cover awareness, land mines, assisting in the development of the local began to set up libraries and computer Banteay Meanchey resource and livelihood rights and communities. They also run ecotours labs in schools and community centres. Registered with the Ministry of natural resource management. Work is to the site and villages, and carry out It publishes books in the Khmer Interior in 1998 and the Ministry of focussed on Kampot, Koh Kong, Pursat, environmental education classes. language, buys Khmer-language content and ships donated children’s Rural Development and Cambodian Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri and Address: PO Box 93045, Development Council in 2003, RCEDO Oddar Meanchey. Siem Reap books from US publishers. Libraries Cambodia are concentrated in Phnom Penh, builds wells in Siem Reap and Oddor Lim Solinn - Director Tel: 855 (0)12 832 812 Battambang and Siem Reap. Meanchey. It is also involved in health Tel: (855-23) 211 263 Fax: (23) 222 036 education. E-mail: [email protected] Phnom Neang Kangrei E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cambodiaswildlife.org Association (PNKA) Web: http://www.roomtoread.org/cambodia Sam Serey Wathana, Director #272, St. 197, Beung Prolit, Khan 7 Makara, Tel: 054 958 870 / 012 832 870 Phnom Penh Kompong Chhnang Royal University of Phnom E-mail: [email protected] Road 59, Sophy, Kampong Svay, Sereisophon Soutien a l’Iniative Pour PNKA has been involved with Penh (RUPP) Banteay Meanchey community fishery and forestry projects Phnom Penh l’Aide a la Reconstruction Samanak Service in Kompong Chhnang province. The university’s Department of (SIPAR) Ouk Sameth, Director Environmental Sciences offers a four- Endlessness Association Phnom Penh Tel: 092 903 908 year degree program which emphasises (SEA) SIPAR operates three mobile libraries E-mail: [email protected] Lor Teuk Trey Village, environmental management. Streams Battambang around Phnom Penh and has been Kompong Chhnang Commune, are planned for Natural Resource Established at the Sangker pagoda training librarians since 2000. A Khmer- Kompong Chhnang Management and Urban Environmental language publishing program aims to
122 123 ry o t c e r i d provide quality educational books at low United Nations Children’s Village Support Group Wildlife Conservation prices. Titles in the “I want to know” Fund (UNICEF) (VSG) Society (WCS) series include a book on life around the Phnom Penh Battambang Phnom Penh Tonle Sap Lake. The priorities of UNICEF’s programme Registered in 1995, the group ran a The international organization began Tel: (855 23) 987 908 d i r e c t o ry E-mail: [email protected] for Cambodia include ensuring the right food security and relief program in working in Cambodia in 1999 and #9, St. 21, Tonle Basac, Chamkarmon, of every child to a quality education Battambang before expanding into became a local NGO in 2000. WCS Phnom Penh by increasing access to learning community development in 1997. Its wants to bring conservation to the Srer Khmer opportunities and reducing disparities activities include initiatives that focus on forefront of science education, affirming and gender gaps. The agency is actively community environmental protection. that a solid understanding of how Phnom Penh involved in formal education and its The group focuses on Battambang and nature works is the right of each high Srer Khmer helps farmers gain approach to health education approach Banteay Meanchey provinces. school graduate and an obligation of knowledge and strengthen their is relevant to environmental education. Ros Chholvivoin, Executive director every citizen in a democracy. Its work capacity to lead and manage their lives Kerstin Karlstrom - Programme Officer Tel: 012 915 540 / 053 730 355 in Cambodia focuses on the northern through approaches which build on Tel: (23) 426 214 E-mail: [email protected] plains and the eastern forests around understanding the relationship between Fax: (23) 426 284 #177, Group 21, Kampong Krabi, Svay Por, Battambang the Tonle Sap. agriculture, environment and rural Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ Sun Visal, Project Officer societies. It works closely with farmers No. 11, Street 75, Sangkat Sraschark, Wetlands International Tel/Fax: (23) 217 205 / (23) 219 443 groups, government institutions and Phnom Penh Phnom Penh E-mail: [email protected] Web: http:// other NGOs. www.wcs.org/international/Asia/ United Nations Educational, The Wetlands International program has #21, St. 21, Tonle Bassac, Polo Yech, Director been operating in Phnom Penh since Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Tel: (23) 210 217/(12) 944 240 Scientific and Cultural E-mail: [email protected] Organization (UNESCO) 1996. Activities began with assistance World Conservation Union Phnom Penh to the government to accede to the Phnom Penh (IUCN) Ramsar Convention. It has been working Strey Santepheap Cambodia joined UNESCO in 1951, on a demonstration project to develop Phnom Penh Deiombeiy Parethan (SSP) six years after it was set up.The UN management zones, a legal framework IUCN began working in Cambodia in Kratie agency’s approach to environmental and operational guidelines for Ream 1992. It aims to develop a sustainable Formed in 2000 and registered with education embraces all disciplines National Park. The program has also wetlands program for Stung Treng the Ministry of Interior in 2002, and covers all levels and types of produced an Asian Wetland Inventory province, conserve mangrove forests, education including life-long learning. Manual. SSP educates people living in forest promote the findings of the World Regional science activities including the concessions about forestry law, Kosal Mam, Program Coordinator Commission on Dams, and review Southeast Asia Biosphere Network are Tel: 012 593 007 Fax: 211 944 especially communities rights and the protected areas and socio-economic E-mail: [email protected] obligations of concessionaires. Its work coordinated though its Jakarta office. #21, St. 306, Boeung Keng Kang, development. is focussed on Kratie, Mondulkiri, and Tel: (855-23) 42 67 26/21 72 44 Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Mao Kosal, National Coordinator Stung Treng provinces. Fax: (855-23) 42 61 63/ 21 70 22 Web Address: www.unesco.org Tel: 023 222 311 Fax: 023 211 944 Uch Kimnary, Coordinator No. 38, Samdech Preah Sothearos Blvd, E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 012 670 188 Phnom Penh #21, St.306, Boeung Keng Kang, E-mail: [email protected] O’Russey 1, Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh Kratie Province
124 125 ry o t c e r i d World Education Cambodia World Wide Fund for Nature (WEC) (WWF) Phnom Penh Phnom Penh 23 WEC has provided training and human The World Wide Fund for Nature has resource development in Cambodia been working in Cambodia since since 1992, initially focussing on adults. 1993 and opened an office in 1998. annex Since 1998, its focus has been on Conservation activities focus on the four The Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project basic education and teacher training. areas of forest landscapes, freshwater Work in the primary education sector ecosystems, coastal and marine Neeac program background includes teacher training and curriculum ecosystems and species of special development in the field of life skills. concern. Work is focussed on Ratanakiri, Work is focussed on Kompong Cham Mondulkiri, Kompong Speu, Stung and Prey Veng provinces Treng and Kratie. Mr. Richard Geeves, Seng Teak, Country Director Project Director IPM Tel: 023 218 034 Fax: 211 909 Tel: 023 216 854 / 012 811 428 / E-mail:[email protected] 012 811 429 Web: http://www.wwfindochina.org/ Fax: 023 218 369 cambodia #28, St. 9, Tonle Bassac, E-mail: [email protected] Phnom Penh Web: http://www.worlded.org/weiinternet/ Source: Live and Learn Environmental Education #46, St. 294, Boeung Keng Kang, Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh
126 127 – x e n n a TONLE SAP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT T e l n o Neeac program background a c k g r o u n d b
S mechanisms for the reserve which p a I. INTRODUCTION was designated by United Nations E
al l ta n e m n o r i v n A. THE PROJECT AND THE Educational, Scientific and Cultural CAMPAIGN Organisation (UNESCO) in 1997. p r o g r a m The Tonle Sap Environment Most of the Tonle Sap project is Management Project is a $20 million being financed by an ADB loan for $10.9 million, with the Cambodian project jointly financed by the Asian n e e a c Development Bank (ADB), United government providing the equivalent Nations agencies and the Royal of $3.9 million in local currency M
t n e m e g a n a Government of Cambodia. In June, (about 1.6 billion riel). The Global
Environment Facility of the United B. CHALLENGES FACING THE habitats, reducing water and soil quality r o j e c t –
2005, the Ministry of Environment P and increasing siltation rates. appointed Live and Learn Environmental Nations has offered a separate $3.9 TONLE SAP Education Inc. to carry out a National million grant and the United Nations With a dry season area of as little as Between 40 percent and 60 percent Environment Education and Awareness Development Program (UNDP) 2,500 square kilometres, the Tonle of households in provinces around Campaign on behalf of the project. Live is providing a grant of $623,000. Sap is the biggest lake in Southeast the lake are below the official poverty P
– t c e j o r & Learn is a non-profit organisation and To improve the regulation and Asia. At the peak of the wet season, line, although the ratio is as high as incorporated in Melbourne, Australia. management of inland fisheries, the the lake expands to as much as 16,000 80 percent in some areas. The ADB has a n a g e m e n t M Based in Fiji, it also operates in Papua ADB is offering a further $540,000 in square kilometres with water levels noted that many households are entirely New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the form of a technical assistance grant. rising by up to 10 metres. The vast areas dependent on fishing and foraging. c a e e n Vanuatu as well as Cambodia and the The campaign focuses on the of seasonally-flooded forests and shrub Property disputes are common. Other Maldives. environmental, economic and social lands create a very high diversity of fish, challenges include a disproportionate reptiles, birds and mammals. Abundant number of households headed by m a r g o r p Approved in 2002, the overall project aspects of the Tonle Sap as a source fisheries directly support more than a women and significant numbers of has three parts – strengthening the of food in an area with special
hydrological features and specific million people. ethnic minorities (Vietnamese and nvironmental
management of natural resources, E Muslims). The destruction of natural organising communities and threats. It targets the general public, With record numbers of people resources also has serious environmental a p conserving biodiversity in the Tonle decision makers, media, teachers and consuming more resources, the ADB S b implications for neighbouring countries.
d n u o r g k c a Sap Biosphere Reserve. The 18-month government agencies. The campaign is concerned that the Tonle Sap is education and awareness campaign uses existing networks, activities and under pressure. Problems include “The Tonle Sap is most likely being o n l e
led by Live and Learn supports the materials with priority given to teachers, over-exploitation of fisheries and exploited beyond sustainable limits,” T first part of the project and also ties communities, journalists and decision wildlife, dry-season encroachment and the ADB has warned. “In the last 20 in with the third part. This includes makers. clearing of flooded forest areas. Damage years, transactions involving the Tonle to natural vegetation is destroying setting up coordination and information Sap’s natural resources – especially its a n n e x –
128 129 – x e n n a fisheries – have been characterized by scheduled to receive $104 million D. ENVIRONMENTAL The FAO established a fixed floating inequity, fraud, widespread corruption, in loans and about $3.5 million in EDUCATION INITIATIVES SO FAR exhibition center known as the environmental degradation from technical assistance grants in 2005 and Environmental education in the Greater Environment Chhong Kneas T unsustainable patterns of exploitation 2006. The package has three pillars Office (Gecko) Centre in Siem Reap e l n o Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve is and escalating conflict.” The bank including “inclusive social development” typically small, targeting local in 1999. In 2005, groups of 16 primary says further deterioration could – improving education, empowering students were visiting the centre for a c k g r o u n d communities, teachers and primary b S have unpredictable consequences as vulnerable groups, controlling diseases, an hour each week. About 5,000 had p a students. Providers include the Food irreversible damage to parts of the providing water and sanitation in rural and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) attended a session of some sort. The E
al l ta n e m n o r i v n ecosystem by overfishing can cause fish areas and managing natural resources and non-government agencies like FAO has also conducted non-formal catches to collapse suddenly. “Such a around he Tonle Sap. Osmose, Mlup Baitong and Sangkrous education in fishing communities. collapse would have serious social and p r o g r a m In April 2005, the ADB said its Tonle Satprey. Other agencies, international Among other initiatives, non- welfare consequence,” the ADB says, Sap Basin Strategy formulated two organisations and government government agencies have noting that fish provide most of the departments have less active roles. The years earlier would support its country held workshops for monks and n e e a c protein in Cambodian diets as well as strategy and program from 2005 to UNDP has noted that environmental developed training manuals with supplementary income to buy rice. 2007. The bank said the strategy – which education in the area is still in its Buddhist themes. Cambodian Family M
t n e m e g a n a infancy. Moreover, the meaning C. STRATEGIES has “informing and listening” among its Development Services, Support for the key operating principles – would be the of environmental education differs Reconstruction Aid Initiative (SIPAR) r o j e c t – P In February, 2005, the ADB board basis for setting priorities and planning between organisations. and Forum NGO have developed some in Manila approved a new country assistance to Cambodia over the next Working with Osmose and Mlup materials, as have the environment strategy and program for Cambodia. five to 10 years. departments of Pursat province and Under the package, Cambodia is Baitong, the FAO in Siem Reap developed and published 1,000 Battambang province which includes P
– t c e j o r copies of a training manual with Prek Toal, one of the three core areas of the biosphere reserve. Community a n a g e m e n t
14 themes. To promote the manual, M photo: L & Osmose trained 40 teachers in two- Sanitation and Recycling Organisation day workshops. Mlup Baitong trained (CSARO) works on recycling in Phnom c a e e n another 25 teachers to use parts Penh and the Japan International of the manual in extra-curricular Cooperation Agency (JICA) carries out environmental training for government
m a r g o r p environmental clubs for primary students around Phnom Penh. Both officials.
organisations pay the teachers to nvironmental E. PERCEPTIONS OF TONLE SAP E include environmental education
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES a p
alongside school lessons. Mlup S b Baitong also broadcasts two 15-minute The assessment of Tonle Sap d n u o r g k c a programs and a one-hour show from environmental issues in 2004
identified curricula, theatre, radio o n l e
the Women’s Media Centre twice a T week. The impact of these programs has and visual materials as key education not been measured. tools. These are all incorporated into NEEAC. a n n e x –
130 131 AL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND N U O R G K C A B M A R G O R P C A E E N – T C E J O R P T N E M E G A N A M L TA N E M N O R I V N E P A S E L N O T – X E N N A feel more responsible towards the historical issues in the environmental environment, they need to have more schools and teacher training centres. power. If formal education improves job Bureaucracy and inertia restrict opportunities, parents may be change. Corruption complicates efforts more likely to send their children to to achieve long-term improvements school. The campaign should use “eco supported by political will. schools” to increase skills by integrating schoolwork with non-formal education. Responsibility for environmental education is split between the Without short-term tangible results, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and knowing how to manage natural Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment resources is worthless. Getting the and the Ministry of Education,Youth print and broadcast media to cover and Sports. Efforts will be made to the importance of the Tonle Sap as a strengthen ties between the ministries biosphere reserve is crucial. Most people living in the Tonle to achieve a more harmonious Sap region have a comprehensive Collective environmental knowledge approach. knowledge of the environment is low to non-existent in the Tonle but lack the power or money Environmental education means Sap Biosphere Reserve. Schools to do anything about it. The different things to different people. should collaborate with environmental campaign therefore promotes greater New terms are proliferating and need organisations so communes can act and understanding of the biosphere reserve to be explained. Education tools should share traditional knowledge. among decision makers, religious highlight the importance of developing leaders and government officials. the economy, education and civil II. APPROACH AND society. Even though water pollution poses IMPLEMENTATION public health hazards, people have The Ministry of Education, Youth different ideas about the importance and Sports is reluctant to support F. BASIN-WIDE APPROACH of having a clean environment. environmental education unless it Environmental education must clarify Theatrical performances will seek to is seen as a cost-effective way of what sustainable development means. inform, educate and build a common meeting priority objectives. The The Tonle Sap is not just a biosphere but understanding of the environment. campaign could integrate educational an engine of the Cambodian economy tools into the ministry’s “child friendly that is closely tied to national identity, The traditional linear approach to school initiative” policy and cluster history, culture and society. environmental educational needs to of taking action and the dangers of not schools. be reassessed. Educational tools need doing anything should be highlighted The campaign will have seven Environmental education is a tool to be action-oriented and, if possible, among decision makers, religious outputs divided into 48 activities. for long-term educational reform. streamlined into school curricula. leaders and government officials. It will recognise the roles of various Themes related to sustainable institutions and the links between the Sustainable development of the Tonle Educating people about the development should be integrated into environment, livelihoods and health as Sap is poorly understood. The benefits environment can backfire. If people subjects dealing with social, cultural and well as the limits to economic growth. ANNEX–TONLE SAP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND
132 133 AL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND N U O R G K C A B M A R G O R P C A E E N – T C E J O R P T N E M E G A N A M L TA N E M N O R I V N E P A S E L N O T – X E N N A regularly and be shown new techniques initiatives and how they can be used in in environmental education. the campaign.
H. CAMPAIGN FOCUS J. TARGET GROUPS The campaign addresses five specific Target groups will comprise challenges faced by people living relevant government ministries, in the Tonle Sap biosphere reserve. non-government organisations, These include Cambodia’s international community groups and training obligations to preserve the ecosystem schools. In developing campaign and as well as water quality, sanitation training resources, the groups will be and health. The campaign will also guided by data from the Information address lobbying and decision making Review and Live and Learn’s earlier as well as the importance of the flooded reports on the Tonle Sap. forest and the benefits of protected areas. The target groups will develop K. COMMUNITY AWARENESS the campaign content with the aim Improving education and raising of promoting change and sustainable environmental awareness will focus development. on theatre, radio and training for religious leaders will be made aware local and provincial decision makers. of Cambodia’s obligations and I. INFORMATION REVIEW Theatrical performances should be responsibilities. The information review will be integrated with Buddhist teachings and channelled into the work of the Cambodian stories. One-minute radio Creative thinking is crucial. If targeted groups. It will focus on past spots could highlight successful case education is to bring about change, people must investigate local issues be willing and able to act. Such skills are needed to identify and address environmental problems.
Cambodian culture must always be G. PARTICIPATION taken into account. The campaign The campaign was targeted at groups has to convey clear, tangible and direct representing a limited number messages that are also subtle, holistic of reputable local and national and multi-dimensional. It must address organisations. Three “targeted the Tonle Sap as a whole. stakeholder groups” for community awareness, education and media will be The campaign will highlight the set up to develop resources, conduct national and international importance training and monitor the impact of of the Tonle Sap. Government the campaign. The groups will meet
officials, local decision makers and ANNEX–TONLE SAP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND
134 135 AL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND N U O R G K C A B M A R G O R P C A E E N – T C E J O R P T N E M E G A N A M L TA N E M N O R I V N E P A S E L N O T – X E N N A studies and be hosted by famous local the curriculum and several pilot schools measure impacts like the adoption of people or women. will be developed. Educational tools values and changes in behaviour. will be designed to promote creative Education toolkits for communes The qualitative approach will focus thinking, problem solving and student should include various practical on personal accounts of the most participation and to train teachers. examples of how environmental significant changes that have taken Relevant practical solutions will be education can reduce poverty. They place. Under this approach, the target promoted. Toolkits will contain a should also highlight how traditional groups will establish four “domains teachers guide, five curriculum modules knowledge – in areas such as flora of change” spanning quality of life, on the main environmental challenges and fauna, land and water use, and community participation, target group in the Tonle Sap region and a guide to sustainable fishing practices – can be capacity and other changes. Campaign possible school activities. used to improve the environment. staff and target groups will be trained to The toolkits should address issues M. MEDIA COVERAGE and opportunities for those living and ask questions, listen and take notes. The of immediate importance and show working in the area. The campaign will target groups and selected commune The campaign will promote broad actions can lead to economic gains. distribute news releases, hold news representatives will select the most public awareness of the Tonle conferences, briefings and round-table significant stories in each domain which Sap’s importance through media L. EDUCATION discussions and promote accurate can then be publicised more widely. organisations and various journalism The formal education toolkit will be reporting of Tonle Sap issues by both training programs at the Royal targeted at teachers, teacher training provincial reporters and those based in O. OUTPUT 7: NATIONAL University of Phnom Penh. A media centres and education officials. It will Phnom Penh. FORUM target group will be set up with highlight how the biology of the Tonle The campaign will arrange a national close links to the Tonle Sap quarterly A media toolkit will be developed Sap area is linked to poverty, livelihoods, forum. The forum will bring together all newsletter. The campaign will provide with training material that can be health and well being. Sustainable target groups and other organisations journalists and trainers with information used as a comprehensive guide development will be integrated into with the aim of sharing experiences about challenges to the Tonle Sap to reporting Tonle Sap issues. The and discussing future directions and toolkit will include a video/VCD and be plans for environmental education in launched at a Tonle Sap Fair which will Cambodia. be used to promote the work of various target groups among people in Phnom Penh.
N. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Processes to monitor and evaluate the campaign must be in place from the start. The quantitative approach needs to include how many people benefit from the campaign and how many resources are produced, although
it cannot be expected to adequately ANNEX–TONLE SAP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT–NEEAC PROGRAM BACKGROUND
136 137 – x e n n a P. ENGAGING PARTNERS biodiversity conservation. Models, The effectiveness of the campaign tools and resources developed by depends on the partnerships, the campaign will be shared with the T overall management project. To ensure e l n o networks and alliances developed, hence the strong focus on target maximum synergy, monitoring these links with other initiatives needs to be a c k g r o u n d groups. The campaign is too broad for b S constant. p a a single local, national or international institution. Target groups and other E The campaign also linked to related al l ta n e m n o r i v n partners must be outward looking international initiatives, notably to promote the campaign through Cambodia’s efforts to achieve the p r o g r a m links to other initiatives, programs UNDP’s Millennium Development and networks. National government Goals. Other initiatives include agencies and non-government UNESCO’s Education for All Campaign n e e a c organisations require particular launched in Thailand in 1990, the UN’s attention. Decade of Education for Sustainable M
t n e m e g a n a Partners have to picked from more Development agreed to in South Africa in 2002 and the UN’s Water for Life r o j e c t – than 400 local environmental and P development organisations registered Decade which started in 2003. in Cambodia. They will be mobilized Managing expectations, clarifying alone. But education is the central pillar iv. RECOMMENDATIONS through the three target groups set up to promote such values. It must strive what the campaign can do best and The campaign is not only about for community awareness, education to encourage every person to believe P spending resources effectively on information and messages but also – t c e j o r and media coverage. Given the community awareness, education that he or she can bring about global about changing people’s attitudes a n a g e m e n t change and aim to increase people’s importance of knowing what others M and media coverage are crucial. One and behaviour. The timing of are doing on the lake, the campaign ability to transform visions into reality. effective approach was to equip local consultancy work needs to be flexible to staff will play a coordinating role by and national organisations with tools Education has to foster values, behavior c a e e n take into account the scope of work and channelling the experiences of partners and lifestyles to sustain development and skills. Another was to raise the the participation of target groups. The into toolkits and other activities. and develop future-oriented thinking. awareness of decision makers regarding director of the Tonle Sap Environmental
m a r g o r p the challenges facing the Tonle Sap and Education needs to address Management project will kept informed Q. IMPORTANT LINKS the consequences of doing nothing challenges by promoting change. of any changes. The campaign was linked to other about them. nvironmental The public has a crucial role to play in E parts of the Tonle Sap Environmental managing the Tonle Sap’s resources. a p
Management Project, notably the To be sustained, economic development S b iii.CONCLUSIONS AND d n u o r g k c a Environmental Awareness and must be friendly to the environment Education Outreach Program. RECOMMENDATIONS and responsible to society. But there o n l e Funded by the UNDP and the Global The values needed to sustain the is no quick fix. The long-term vision T Environment Facility, this falls under Tonle Sap’s natural resources will not requires commitment and approaches the third part of the project which come from environmental education at all levels of Cambodian society. includes promoting an awareness of a n n e x –
138 139 e)aHBum
Published by live & learn environmental education #364, St. Preah Monivong, Phsar Domthkov, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Po Box: 91 Phone: (855) 23 224 053 email: [email protected] http://www.idea.org.au/liveandlearn/ February 2007 This publication forms part of the Tonle Sap environmental Management Project (TSeMP) and National environmental education and Awareness Campaign (NeeAC) Contracted by the Ministry of environment Supported by the Asian Development Bank (loan 1939 CAM (SF)) Written and compiled by: Peter Starr, Introduction by Jady Smith edited by: Chum Som onn, Pich Sokdany and Keat Bunthan Translated by: Sreng Sophal, Chum Som onn and Pich Sokdany Proofed by: Pich Sokdany and Keat Bunthan Design and layout by Karen Young Photos: Thank you to WCS – eleanor Briggs, Tony lynam, Allan Michaud and Joe Walston. Sonja endlweber, Mitchell Issacs, Reach Sambath, Carly Starr, Terry Wooltorton, Karen Young, MRC Printed by: Graphic Roots © Copyright Ministry of environment, live & learn environmental education. This text is reusable for educational purposes. If used please cite the source. Disclaimer: This educational document was prepared by consultants live & learn environmental education for the Ministry of environment (Moe). Acknowlegements: This document has been complied from numerous existing materials, these are acknowlegements at the end of key sections. tonle sap information guide