Project activities
To promote sustainable fishery and wise use of natural resources at Lake Tonle Sap, non-sustainable methods such as cyanide and dynamite fishing shall be replaced by the use of eco-friendly fish cages in order to stop the over-exploitation of the lake in the long term and secure the livelihood of the fishermen. For this purpose, a demonstration fish facility shall be established to train the fishermen in the new method and explain the manufacture of the cages. Additionally, the establishment of fisheries action groups shall contribute to improve the sale of fish, thus increasing the income of fishermen. Additionally, environmental education measures will be offered to the local people to sensitize them for sustainable fishery.
Since then two environmental clubs were created involving 50 local fishers (among them 33 women) committed to sustainable use of the lake resources in ten focus areas. Participation in environmental education activities and information about alternative fishing methods contribute to promote sustainable behaviour among local fishermen and fisherwomen. Furthermore, government authorities and interested private regional groups were informed about the project thus ensuring future support of the implemented measures. Additionally, sustainable eco-tourism strategies were developed to provide the people living in the lake region alternative sources of income.
In a further step, GNF and FACT will develop eco-tourism strategies to reduce the dependence on fishery and take off the pressure on the eco-system on the whole. Selected fishermen families will be trained and encouraged to start their own small business.