The GREEN project (March 2021 - February 2025), funded by the European Union, aimed to enhance the socio- economic resilience of vulnerable fishing communities in the East Tonle Sap Lake.
The project focused on improving access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH). waste management. green economy initiatives, and education across Kampong Chhnang. Kampong Thom. and Pursat provinces.
In Cambodia, three value chains have been developed:
- Mung bean farming
- Aquaculture (breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants)
- Producing local safe food
Results of the green economy initiative
Employment opportunities generated
2,689 fishing communities' members created 24 full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs.
Of this number, 1,383 were women and 20 were people with disabilities.
Functional groups and asset distribution
Nine agricultural producer groups were formed, and 1,355 fishing households were supported with essential inputs such as seeds, fingerlings, equipment, feeds, and solar systems.
Of this 1,355, 887 were women and 21 were people with a disability.
Skills training
1,683 fishing communities' members - including 1,058 women and 24 people with disabilities - received technical training on sustainable farming practices, including eel, fish, frog, chicken, and vegetable farming.
Youth empowerment
The project has enabled 226 vulnerable youth to access basic education and vocational training programs, fostering their socio-economic and long-term resilience, including 67 women and two people with disabilities.
Green business support
194 local business owners and small- holder farmers have been trained in green business development, including 129 women and four people with a disability.
58 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) have been provided with financial and technical assistance to start-up and strengthen their operations.
Tourism development
Four tourism feasibility studies were conducted, two business plans were developed, and key infrastructure was built, including a watchtower, floating toilets, clean water systems, and tourism mapping signboards.
Environmental awareness
3,544 fishing communities' members were educated on environmentally friendly behaviour changes and sustainable waste management practices, including 2,226 women and 45 people with disabilities.
Stories from the GREEN project
Protecting the biodiversity of the East Tonlé Sap Lake through aquaculture
Aquaculture — the farming of aquatic organisms, such as eels, shellfish, and seaweed, in a controlled environment — is transforming the lives of people like Mr Em Phat, who are living on the East Tonlé Sap Lake in Cambodia.
From Lake to Land: How Mrs Sokea turned challenges into green growth on Tonlé Sap
For more than 30 years, Mrs Sokea and her family grew vegetables to support themselves. However, she faced many challenges and her crops were often invaded by insects. With VSO's help she's adopted modern climate friendly farming techniques to improve her livelihood.
Incomes, alternatives and revival: Life on Cambodia's Great Lake
Fishing was once easy in Cambodia’s Great Lake, Tonle Sap, with abundant fish and little competition. That’s no longer the case thanks to a VSO project.