Phnom Penh, 27 October 2021: Today, the EU Delegation to Cambodia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, formally launched, with WCS, Oxfam, Aide et Action, and Save the Children, four EU-funded projects to support green growth, jobs creation, social services, and better protection of natural resources for the fishing communities in 10 Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve and coastal provinces.
Attending today the joint virtual launching workshop were around 320 participants from line Ministries, provincial authorities, fisheries technical working group, fishing communities, NGOs including the co-implementing partners, EU Member States, and other development partners.
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Cambodia, Bryan Fornari, said: “CAPFISH is the EU’s largest bilateral programme in Cambodia to support the Royal Government to achieve sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive growth of the fisheries sector. In partnership with the Fisheries Administration and our implementing partners, today’s launch of the 4 projects is an important milestone for COVID recovery in the region, bringing new economic opportunities and better livelihood for over fifty thousand households. Our partnership with the Fisheries Administration will make this possible”.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia under the representation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to the European Union for supporting the biggest programme ever in developing fisheries sector in Cambodia,’’ said H.E Poum Sotha, Director General of Fisheries Administration.
“Save the Children is really excited to work with partners, local communities and authorities to support the socio-economic development of vulnerable fishing communities in the East Tonle Sap, especially to promote the adoption of green economy initiatives and environmental good practices while supporting children and families access quality, inclusive and safe education and water, sanitation and waste management services,” said Mrs. Pearce.
Mr. Vorn Samphors, Aide et Action Cambodia Country director said « CO-SAVED Cambodia, is a multi-stakeholder partnership among the private sector, government, and civil society to drive progress toward the sustainable development goals. We’re committed to empowering 382,650 Cambodian citizens in coastal communities to form lasting partnerships for inclusive green economic growth, quality service delivery in Education and WASH, and sustainable livelihoods. »
“Our Tonle Sap is important for biodiversity, fisheries, livelihoods, well-being and culture. However, our lake is rapidly disappearing owing to climate change, damming for hydropower, and diversion of tributaries for agricultural irrigation. We must seize the opportunity to build resilience in ecosystems, communities, and biodiversity to avoid a human and ecological catastrophe’’ said Sereyrotha Ken Ph.D., Country Program Director, Wildlife Conservation Society
Background on the four projects
Save Children (REDD BARNA), with the EU grant of €4 million, is supporting fishing communities in Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom provinces to improve socio-economic status and resilience to climate change, through improved access to WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene), waste management systems, green economy initiatives and education.
OXFAM, with the EU grant of €4 million, is implementing a four-year project (2021- 2024) to support fishing communities in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces to improve access to safe water supply, education, sanitation, waste management services, sustainable management of community natural resources, as well as to improve livelihoods and employment opportunities.
Aide et Action, with the EU fund of €4 million, is running a four-year project (2021- 2024) to support communities in Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Koh kong provinces to become more resilient through sustainable local economic development, enhanced service delivery, and green growth which contributes to reducing poverty and inequality.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Ministry of Environment and its partners, with EU aid of €4.9, is running a four-year project (2021-2024) in Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chnang, Pursat, Battambang, and Banteay Meanchey provinces to enhance management and restoration of critical habitats to facilitate resilience to environmental change and to improve governance and policy to reduce drivers of environmental change.
For further information, please contact Mrs Pok Poun, Press and Information Officer of the EU Delegation, Tel. 023 220 611 or E-mail: [email protected]
