The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries officially signed a five-year project agreement on March 23, renewing their shared commitment to protecting Cambodia’s vital fishery resources across the Sre Ambel River System in Koh Kong, as well as the Mekong River.
WCS Cambodia explained that the agreement will continue to safeguard some of the world’s most remarkable and threatened species, including the Royal Turtle, Siamese crocodile, Cantor’s giant softshell turtle and giant freshwater stingray.
“A key focus of the project is to raise awareness among local communities, especially fisheries communities and relevant stakeholders, on the importance of protecting these endangered species — threatened by illegal capture, trafficking and habitat loss,” it stated.
The signing not only strengthens their long-standing partnership — it also reinforces a shared vision for greater conservation impact in the years ahead, it added.
Alistair Mould, WCS country director, expressed sincere appreciation to agriculture minister Dith Tina and the ministry for renewing the important collaboration.
The ceremony was held at the ministry headquarters and brought together key partners, including Conservation International (CI) and Wild Earth Allies (WEA), who also signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the ministry.
They reaffirm their collective commitment to protecting Cambodia’s rich aquatic biodiversity, while supporting sustainable livelihoods for fisheries communities across coastal areas, Tonle Sap and the Mekong landscape.
