His Excellency Hell Tony, Vice Chairman of the Tonle Sap Authority presided over the closing ceremony of the workshop on initiating the study and analysis of water security in the Tonle Sap Basin.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa, His Excellency Hell Tony, Vice Chairman of the Tonle Sap Authority, representing the highly esteemed Senior Minister, His Excellency Thor Chetha, Chairman of the Tonle Sap Authority, along with Ms. Bridget Collier, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy, and Ms. Maria Angelica Sotomayor, Regional Water Resources Management Lead for Asia-Pacific at the World Bank, presided over the closing ceremony of the workshop on initiating the study and analysis of water security in the Tonle Sap Basin. This event was organized in collaboration with the World Bank (WB), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Water Partnership (AWP), as part of the implementation of the Water Security and Resilience Assessment Program for the Tonle Sap Lake for the years 2024-2026, held from March 18 to 19, 2025, in Siem Reap Province.
Please be informed that the above meeting was attended by members of the Tonle Sap Authority, relevant ministries, institutions, provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake, educational and research institutions, and development partners. The focus was on:
(i) Enhancing understanding of water security issues in the Tonle Sap Basin and its tributaries.|
(ii) Supporting policies to build consensus on the Tonle Sap Basin management system.
(iii) Developing a multi-phase development plan based on evidence for the Tonle Sap region.
(iv) Exchanging knowledge, creating programs, and building the capacity of relevant stakeholders.
It is noted that this meeting aimed to gather all key stakeholders to clearly define and agree on the project's objectives, scope, timeline, roles, responsibilities, and potential risks. This ensures that all stakeholders have a shared understanding before moving forward with the joint implementation of the project.
In summary, the outcomes of this meeting included in-depth discussions and sharing of challenges, opportunities, and action plans to ensure water security in the Tonle Sap Basin. Under the theme "Collaboration for Water Security in the Tonle Sap Basin," three foundational areas were analyzed:
(1) Water and environmental issues, (2) Socio-economic aspects, and(3) Policy and technical perspectives, as a vision for the conservation and development of the Tonle Sap region. Consensus was reached on the project's goals, scope, timeline, roles, and responsibilities. Key inputs from stakeholders were gathered, including the identification of necessary data and information for assessment and the integration of efforts for water security and resilience in the Tonle Sap Lake, in line with the project's participation plan. Continuous consultations, knowledge exchange, and the preparation of key steps under the project for the Water Security and Resilience Program for the Tonle Sap Lake were emphasized.
In addition, during the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman emphasized that the water in the Tonle Sap Basin is a treasure for the current and future generations. He stated, "We will make the Tonle Sap Basin a model of sustainable water management. Our contribution is not just an obligation but also a hope for future generations, ensuring sufficient and safe water for daily use and a healthy life.
