The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) is conducting a week-long learning visit in Cambodia, hosted by the Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT). The visit aims to promote knowledge exchange between stakeholders from the Laguna de Bay region and Tonle Sap Lake, focusing on integrated lake basin management, fisheries conservation, and community-based adaptation initiatives.
Participants include representatives from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), local government units (LGUs) surrounding Laguna de Bay, fisherfolk organizations, the academe, partner organizations, the SCPW team, the FACT team, Cambodian government authorities, and other key stakeholders from the Tonle Sap region.
The first day commenced with a project meeting at the Aphiwat Baitang Choakchey Agricultural Cooperative (ABC-AC). A knowledge exchange session between the FACT and SCPW teams took place, where both sides presented their respective project implementations and shared insights on their activities and strategies. The LLDA and the Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation also presented their ongoing initiatives in Laguna de Bay and the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City, respectively. Additionally, Cambodian government authorities shared their programs on natural resource management, community livelihood development, and eco-tourism promotion.
In the afternoon, Ms. Amy Lecciones, Vice President and Executive Director of SCPW, facilitated a meeting on the establishment of a LLBCP Sub-Network, which both FACT and SCPW agreed to pursue. Following this, the FACT teamaccompanied the SCPW group to visit their eco-brick factory, which produces bricks from plastic waste and cement. The team also visited the Boeung Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Area, where they experienced a boat ride on the lake and learned about ongoing conservation initiatives in the area.
On the second day, the SCPW continued its learning visit to Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Thom Province, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which includes the Boeung Tonle Chhmar Ramsar Site. Accompanied by the Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT), the group embarked on a scenic boat journey across the vast lake, visiting ongoing initiatives under the IKI LLBCP Project.
Among the highlights were the South Tonle Sap Multi-purpose Centre, envisioned to become a regional model for eco-tourism and conservation, and the Trey Kol Raing Floating Market, which is currently under construction and will soon provide local communities with a venue to sell freshly caught fish and various local products. Along the way, the team passed through vibrant floating villages and caught a glimpse of nearby conservation areas that safeguard the lake’s rich biodiversity. The day concluded at the Phatsanday Community Fisheries Office in Phat Sanday Commune, where the team stayed for the night.
On the last day, the delegation met with His Excellency Prim Rottha, Deputy Provincial Governor of Kampong Thom Province, together with officials from various provincial departments. Ms. Amy Lecciones expressed her gratitude for their warm welcome and commended their impressive wetland conservation initiatives. H.E. Prim Rottha, in turn, thanked the SCPW team and all participants for their interest and collaboration. He shared insights into the province’s history and its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the lake, emphasizing Kampong Thom’s biodiversity and the valuable ecosystem services it provides.
The group also heard from Mr. Hun Soksek, a representative of the Phat Sanday Community, who presented their community-based initiatives such as ecotourism activities and local patrolling efforts to protect the area. The visit concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to work together toward the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands.
The activity is under the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), a five-year initiative funded by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project is led by the Global Nature Fund (GNF) with SCPW as one of 12 partners across 10 countries.
The SCPW extends its heartfelt appreciation to FACT, the local government authorities, and the community members of Cambodia for their warm hospitality and support throughout this learning visit.
The activity is under the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), a five-year initiative funded by German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project is led by the Global Nature Fund (GNF) with SCPW as one of 12 partners across 10 countries.
