Smart Fisheries Co-Management Cambodia
With over 650 000 fishers predominantly engaged in small-scale fisheries, Cambodia's fisheries sector plays a crucial role in providing food security and livelihoods, especially for those residing in the Mekong River region. However, the sector faces challenges such as illegal fishing, overfishing, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change, leading to declining fish stocks and ecosystem degradation. Co-management emerges as a strategic tool to address these issues by promoting sustainable fishing practices, protecting vulnerable habitats, and ensuring the long-term viability of local communities.
The FAO Smart Fisheries Co-Management (SFC) project is working to promote a collaborative approach involving government entities, fishing communities, and various stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources. This innovative strategy aims to address the governance, environmental, and socio-economic aspects of aquatic resource management, particularly focusing on the well-being of Community Fisheries members who heavily rely on the sector for their economic subsidence.
In Cambodia, the concept of fisheries co-management is primarily implemented through Community Fisheries (CFi). The CFis are area-specific institutional frameworks jointly managed by local communities and government authorities. Registered under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) of Cambodia, CFis serve as legal entities empowering their members to actively participate in the management of fisheries resources. While the government provides technical and financial support, CFis are entrusted with enforcing legal regulations related to Community Fisheries Management.
One significant aspect of CFis is their role in enhancing the decision-making power of women and marginalized groups within the community. By fostering active participation in sustainable fisheries management, CFis contribute to a more inclusive and equitable governance structure. As of 2022, 447 CFis out of a total of 528 are officially registered with MAFF, operating across 20 provinces in Cambodia.
The SFC project specifically targets the Kratie and Stung Treng provinces along the Mekong River, aiming to empower community fisheries members and advocate for the conservation of aquatic resources in alignment with the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. By fostering collaboration and trust among government bodies, stakeholders, and local communities, the SFC project envisions a more effective, inclusive, and sustainable aquatic food system in Cambodia.