Background
On March 9, 2026, the Secretary of State Hass Saret presided over a meeting titled “Strengthening Management and Protection of Mekong River Dolphins” convened by the Commission for Conservation and Development of the Mekong Dolphin Tourism Area. The meeting took place in Kratie Province with participation from various provincial authorities, local administrations, forestry and fishery departments, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cambodia, and other stakeholders.
Scope of Application
This meeting involved provincial administrations of Kratie and Stung Treng, local district authorities, relevant technical departments in agriculture and environment, local community representatives, and conservation partners engaged in protecting the Mekong dolphin species within the designated tourism development zones.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The meeting reviewed the achievements in 2025, highlighting the successful prevention of illegal fishing gear use that previously threatened dolphin populations. Notably, there were eight new dolphin births documented, the most positive outcome in the species’ recorded history. The success was attributed to coordinated action by the Ministry’s Fisheries Conservation Department, provincial administrations, local authorities, WWF, and river monitoring officers working to enhance law enforcement, monitor dolphin health, promote public awareness, and strengthen partnership cooperation.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The meeting emphasized the enforcement of protection regulations in the Mekong dolphin tourism areas, requiring local and external stakeholders, including tourism-related businesses and community participants, to comply with conservation policies and avoid illegal fishing practices. Strengthened collaborative governance mechanisms are critical for maintaining the ecological sustainability of the region, impacting tourism development and local livelihoods.
Official Source
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia, Facebook post dated March 9, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/maff.gov.kh/posts/pfbid02z6m9RmnZbZ2rQYYQX5boWa63sGET7J6znTDiyppkhdSKtstQuMeQHhB2H4EiuxLJl
