Future Solutions Now - The Tonle Sap Initiative April 2003

Abstract

Literature on Cambodia’s inland fisheries makes frequent reference to the abundance of fish in the Tonle Sap ecosystem and the expertise of the fishers who exploit this bounty. Without a doubt, inland fisheries are indispensable to the food security, income, and employment of the Cambodian population. Yet, attention is increasingly being drawn to the impacts of overfishing and destructive practices. The Asian Development Bank is promoting management and conservation of the natural resources of Cambodia’s Tonle Sap basin, a source of livelihood for more than 1.2 million inhabitants, through a concessional $10.9 million equivalent loan approved on 21 November 2002.