|
|
Culture and Environment Protection Association
Protecting Resources
The Mekong, Sesan, Sekong, and Srepok rivers all pass through remote Stung Treng province in northern Cambodia, providing essential resources for many rural families. Fishing is a primary source of family income for many poor communities located on or near these rivers. Forests provide another resource and are used by many people for the collection of plants, firewood, herbs, and other products on which they depend. Together, they form the backbone of local livelihoods. But in these communities, both the forest and fishing resources are becoming scarce due to fishing and logging concessions being granted to outsiders, illegal logging practices, and overpopulation.
The Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA) strives to protect common community resources by working with these communities to raise awareness about over-fishing, to design conservation programs, and to set up community forest management systems. CEPA has also helped villagers organize to advocate for their rights and to see that their community conservation zones and forests gain official recognition. While grounded locally, by organizing information-sharing forums and networks, CEPA has become a well-known advocate for natural resource conservation policies.
RELATED LINKS
Back to Southeast Asia program
| |
 |
|
In Cambodia, CEPA is helping rural families protect their common resources and advocate for their land rights.
|
|
|
| Culture and Environment Protection Association |
|
| Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Funding: $165,000 since 2003 |
| www.cepa-cambodia.org |
Photo: Mane Yun |
|
|
