Background
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) coordinates national implementation and oversight for donor-supported coastal fisheries initiatives that link ecosystem restoration, community livelihoods, and infrastructure measures. The Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries (SCMF) project is financed through a funding framework involving the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Interventions under SCMF focus on concrete measures to strengthen climate resilience and fisheries sustainability, including restoring coastal and marine fisheries ecosystems, installing artificial fish shelters, and promoting nature-based marine aquaculture. The project also includes actions to develop marine spatial planning, improve seafood safety standards, and strengthen the capacity of coastal fishing communities and private-sector actors to commercialize and scale fisheries businesses.
Key Developments
On 18 May 2026 Secretary of State Has Saret presided over the SCMF mission meeting and opening of the implementation review mission. Director General Pom Sothea, who serves as the project director, provided a project briefing describing ongoing investments to restore fisheries ecosystems and enhance resilience.
The mission convened participants in-person and by video from ADB teams based in Manila and Cambodia, implementing partners from the General Directorate of Fisheries, representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Khmer Enterprise (KE), and provincial administrations from four coastal provinces.
Institutional Role
MAFF acts as the national coordinating ministry for SCMF implementation while ADB and AFD provide the principal financing and development partner support under the project framework. Project execution requires coordination among line ministries, relevant authorities, provincial administrations, and development partners to address implementation constraints and advance planned activities.
Operational Implications
Mission objectives included reviewing implementation progress, refining action plans for continued execution, identifying constraints, and exploring solutions to support delivery of expected outcomes. Secretary Has Saret urged efficient implementation and encouraged the mission team to engage in detailed discussions to resolve outstanding issues and maintain momentum in project activities.
