Khmer Times —
Some fishermen living in core areas of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve in Kampong Thom province claim that fishing yields have been declining over the last three years due to low water levels in the wet season, forest fires in the dry season and climate change.
This was brought up during a recent meeting between the Ministry of Environment, representatives from Unesco, relevant authorities and members of the Boeng Tonle Chhmar and Stung Sen community, that discussed preserving the lake’s resources and sustainably improving local livelihoods.
“During the interaction with fishermen and members of the Community Protected Area (CPA) in Balot, Peam Bang commune, participants indicated there has been a decrease in fish catch. Fishing is the primary occupation of communities in and around the core areas, which are increasingly vulnerable due to depleting natural resources,” Unesco said in a press release.