Ouk Vibol
Department of Fisheries Conservation, Royal Kingdom of Cambodia
Title: Participatory Design of Marine Fisheries Management Areas in Cambodia
Biography
Biography: Ouk Vibol
Abstract
Marine living resources in Cambodia play a very important role to the national economy and assist in the balance of regional and global environment ecosystems. However, they are facing destruction and it is now time to increase attention in protecting the essential habitats to sustain the marine fisheries of Cambodia and ensure future livelihood of the people of Cambodia. The development of Marine Fisheries Management Area – MFMA – a type of multiple-use Marine Protected Area (MPA) could ensure sustainable fishing, protection of biodiversity and increasing eco-tourism. The establishment is required 5 steps, including stakeholder consultation. The Koh Rong Archipelago is rich in biodiversity and tourism attraction. However, this area is under the threat. The Cambodia’s First MFMA model is established and required a comprehensive exercise in stakeholder engagement. The first step of the process is the creation of a provincial government management team, which coordinated the consultation process and developed the provincial legislation needed to establish management structures. A technical working group was formed, reporting to the provincial government team, and incorporating government authorities, NGO’s, island concessionaires, Community Fisheries (CFi) and tourism agencies (dive companies). This integrated approach is designed to ensure effective collaboration and coordination, and enabled stakeholder input to zoning plans. 06 zoning types have been resulted from zoning consultations including Conservation Area (13 sites), Protected Area (01 site), Community Fisheries Area (3 sites), Fisheries Refugia Area (4 sites), Recreational Area (13 sites) and Multiple Use Area (13 sites). Monitoring and evaluation is undertaken through socio-economic surveys, habitat monitoring as well as the MPA Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool. The model could yield results in terms of improved marine and coastal conditions and enhanced socio-economic benefits for local villagers.