The Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It contains an exceptionally large variety of interconnected eco-regions with a high degree of biodiversity and is therefore a biodiversity hotspot. It was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1997. It also supports very intensive agriculture which has been of central importance for Cambodia’s food supply. The lake and its surrounding ecosystems have come under increasing pressure from deforestation, infrastructure development and hydropower exploitation.

The national and local governments of Cambodia have been pursuing a more coordinated and sustained approach of development. Several GWP activities have been individually contributing to biodiversity, crop and water monitoring in the Tonlé Sap Lake Region. In this session, these activities will start to explore interactions and synergies among these themes and potential integrated EO solutions that support decision-making of local stakeholders.

Megan Lewis - AOGEO - (Australia)