The small fishing villages in Cambodia struggled to make ends meet as fish populations declined. With larger boats and more advanced fishing equipment, fisherpeople could catch more fish, but at what cost? Pollution and habitat loss were taking their toll, and the villagers felt the effects. Without good management and dialogue, the situation would only worsen, and certain groups would be left behind.
That's when a group of concerned villagers, scientists, and administrators decided to take action. They came together to form a dialogue group, where all views are considered and decisions are made collectively. The villagers could work together to address the issues affecting their fishing areas through a co-management approach. They found common ground and worked to create a sustainable future for their community. The video shows the power of getting people together to take ownership of the issues as well as the solutions, highlighting the importance of inclusive and proactive fisheries management to address the many challenges facing our natural ecosystems.