Phnom Penh, 22 August 2024 - Mr. Sok Soken, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the National Committee for Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism, presided over the Opening Ceremony of the First Annual Tonlesap Ecotourism Network Forum of 2024 under the theme “Strengthening Tourism and Ecotourism Services towards Communities Livelihood Improvement and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Tonlesap Area.”

This forum serves as a crucial platform for various stakeholders, including national and sub-national representatives, private sector entities, national and international development partners, and communities from different regions of the country. The main agenda is to discuss the advancement of community-based tourism and ecotourism in the Tonle Sap Lake region through the establishment of an institutional mechanism under the National Committee for Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NESDEC) and the Ministry of Tourism, known as "Tonle Sap Lake tourism." Additionally, the forum aims to raise awareness among communities nationwide regarding the social and economic advantages of the Funan Techo Canal project, which is a significant milestone for our nation. Furthermore, both the local community and tourism operators have expressed their appreciation for the accomplishments of the first year of the 7th legislature of the Royal Government, particularly the support and collaboration within the CLV Development Triangle Area.