SIEM REAP: Deputy Governor of Siem Reap, Khim Finan, led a total of 60 members from various institutions to gather input for plans to support the livelihoods of and develop the community within Kampong Phluk by exploring living conditions and challenges of daily life to the estimated 1,000 families in the area.

On May 31, Khim Finan posted on his official Facebook page, saying that the Kampong Phluk fishing community, which borders a flooded forest area of the Tonle Sap Lake, is full of tourism potential and requires conservation work as a haven for some of the rarest biodiversity in the world.

He said that in the past, Kampong Phluk always attracted the attention of national and international tourists for the unique lifestyle of its people and the seasonal beauty of the flooded area. However, the locals are unable to take full advantage of the area’s special features due to a lack of solid waste management, proper hygiene within the community and a general lack of clean living habits.

He added that Kampong Phluk needs a cohesive plan for sustainable development that involves the community taking ownership of the project while supported by local authorities who can mobilize resources. The plan will also require the help of private investors, partnered organizations and volunteers.

The deputy governor emphasized that conserving the environment is a matter of life-and-death for the people of Kampong Phluk. He said most of the initial work will be in educating locals on the overall benefits the community will receive from changed habits, which he hopes will be an incentive for changed attitudes.

"We need to find ways to enlighten the community so that they can see the direct benefit conservation efforts will have on their daily lives,” he said.