Transcript GIS Integrate Conservation Management

Biodiversity Conservation On The
Tonle Sap Great Lake
Heng Sokrith
Tonle Sap Program Coordinator, May 2011
Biodiversity Conservation On The
Tonle Sap Great Lake
Overview
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The Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
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In October 1997, the lake was nominated as a biosphere reserve
under the Man and Biosphere Program of the UNESCO.
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3.6 million people live in the Tonle Sap basin.
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2,500–3,000 Km2 in the dry season and 10,000–16,000 km2 in
the wet season.
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1–2 meters above mean sea level in the dry season and 8–12
meters in the wet season.
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20% of the Mekong River's floodwaters are absorbed by the
Tonle Sap
Biodiversity Conservation On The
Tonle Sap Great Lake
• The flooded forest contains about
200 plant species.
• The Tonle Sap contains at least 200
species of fish, 42 species of reptiles,
225 species of birds, and 46 species of
mammals.
• Of the 500 fish species once found
in Cambodia's wetlands, as many as 300
are now thought to ​have disappeared.
• The Tonle Sap yields about 230,000
tons of fish each year (about 50% of
Cambodia's total ​freshwater capture
fisheries production)
• Rice production in the Tonle Sap's
floodplains makes up about 12% of
Cambodia's total.
What are the problems?
• Deforestation in the watershed,
agriculture expansion,
Conversion of flooded forest to
agriculture
• Overexploitation of fisheries and
wildlife resources
• Habitat fragmentation
• Collection of Fuel Wood from the
flooded forest
• Introduction of non-native
species
Project Area
Goals
Overall Aim: To help restore the Tonle Sap Lake’s valuable and unique ecosystem by
working with the local community, the Cambodian government, and local nongovernmental organizations to create alternatives to overfishing and flooded habitat
destruction, and to conserve critical tracts of flooded habitats to ensure food security for
people, while also conserving key endangered species.
Objectives:
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To prepare an effective management plan with participation from stakeholders.
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To improve management of protected Kampong Prak fish sanctuary and associated
ecosystems through regular patrols within the area, determination of important
resources to be protected, and law enforcement.
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To increase fishermen’s awareness of the critical importance of the fish sanctuary,
flooded forests, and fish protected areas.
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To monitor the biological, social and economic effects within the fish sanctuary flooded
forest and floating villages of the project targeted areas.
Project Inputs
Law
Enforcement
Artificial reefs have been
sunk into the Sanctuary to
provide a refuge for fish and
to prevent illegal fishing
Demarcation of the Fish
Sanctuary
Reforestation: we re-plant
cleared areas of the flooded
forest
Illegal Fish Gear have been
confiscated and destroyed
Project Inputs
Law
Enforcement
We are engaging local community in flooded forest management through
community ranger patrol team, (6 CRs and 4 FiAs, 2 MP) and we are
supporting fisheries-led protection of flooded forest in the focal area.
Project Inputs
Law
Enforcement
Project Inputs
Wildlife Monitoring- Otter
Project Outcomes
Wildlife Monitoring-Birds
Painted Stork flock
Black-headed Ibis flock
Glossy Ibis flock
Grey-headed fish eagle
Lesser Adjutant
Spot-billed Pelican
Project Activities
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Fuel-efficient cook stove project.
Research the possibility for harvesting and selling branches from mimosa pigra plants
Prepare a series of awareness and education sessions for both patrol teams and
communities in aspects such as Tonle Sap ecosystem, use of natural resources, threats
to resources, relevant laws and human health.
Develop alternative livelihood activities such as fish processing, livestock raising and
production of crafts from water hyacinth fibers. If suitable activities are identified we
will establish a project to implement the idea.
Undertake monitoring and evaluation strategies focus on forest cover change, water
volume, and water level will be monitored annually
Constant surveys of key species such as otter, fishing cat and birds, and identify the
areas where key bird breeding colonies are located.
THANK YOU!
www.conservation.org
[email protected]