The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve (TSBR) supports key economic sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture. Fishing remains the primary source of income for many families living in floating communities on the lake, while the nutrient-rich floodplains provide fertile land for rice cultivation and vegetable production. The launch of the Strategic Plan demonstrates a collective commitment to safeguarding the reserve’s ecological integrity and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Chea Vanchan, Deputy Governor of Kampong Thom Province, expressed his appreciation to all participants and thanks for selecting Kampong Thom Province to host this significant event.
Mr. Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, congratulated all stakeholders for their dedication and collaboration in finalizing the Strategic Plan. He emphasized that the Plan provides a comprehensive framework to strengthen governance, restore and conserve ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods, and enhance resilience to climate and environmental change. He further noted that UNESCO’s support is aligned with the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which promotes a balance between human development and biodiversity conservation. Mr. Bonetti recalled that the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and officially recognized by Royal Decree in 2001. He highlighted that the Strategic Plan is aligned with Cambodia’s major national policy frameworks, including the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028, the Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, and the Natural Protected Area Strategic Management Plan 2017–2031. The Plan also contributes to the Cambodia Environmental Diplomacy Strategy (CEDS) 2026–2030 through biodiversity conservation, climate resilience building, sustainable livelihood support, and the promotion of Cambodia’s environmental leadership on the international stage.
Representing the Ministry of Environment, Her Excellency Mom Thany, Secretary of State, described the Strategic Plan as a historic achievement and a roadmap for collective action in protecting and managing the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. She underlined that the Plan was developed through an inclusive and participatory process involving ministries, national institutions, provincial administrations, universities, development partners, and local communities.