Government Takes Action to Relocate Floating Houses Around Tonle Sap Lake to Safeguard Biodiversity

• Sommana Yan
• 15 July 2025
• Local News
• 1221 Views

In a significant move to protect the biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake, the Royal Government has announced the establishment of a special task force aimed at relocating floating houses in five provinces surrounding the lake to the mainland. This initiative is outlined in Decision No. 86, which was officially dated July 10, 2025.

The decision seeks to implement measures that will ultimately reduce pollution and preserve the unique ecosystem of Tonle Sap Lake. At the helm of this effort is a newly formed 27-member committee, led by the Minister of Interior and comprising leaders from relevant ministries, institutions, and the governors of the involved provinces.

Key responsibilities of the committee include:

– Developing a comprehensive medium- and long-term strategy for relocating floating houses to land, alongside issuing guidelines for provincial administrations in the affected areas.

– Establishing mechanisms for managing statistics on floating houses, fish farms, and local residents.

– Formulating measures to prohibit and dismantle illegal floating houses and fish farms, as well as preventing the establishment of new settlements on the water.

– Conducting studies to determine safe and sustainable living arrangements for those currently residing on Tonle Sap Lake while designating areas where water-based living is permitted and prohibited.

– Gradually executing plans to assist residents in moving to land-based housing, with support from the Royal Government and key stakeholders.

– Developing social land concessions for relocated citizens to facilitate the construction of necessary infrastructure.

– Supporting the livelihoods of those who voluntarily transition to land through job creation and economic opportunities beyond fishing and fish farming.

– Enforcing measures against illegal immigrants living on the water, in accordance with existing laws.

– Providing educational resources and guidance to communities to discourage further expansion of floating settlements and encourage a shift to land-based living.

– Taking a strong stance against illegal fishing while promoting awareness and compliance among fishers.

– Conducting environmental impact assessments to prevent significant harm to aquatic ecosystems, address water quality issues, and mitigate environmental pollution.

– Ensuring access to essential health services, education, and vocational training while preventing the establishment of unregulated schools.

– Regularly reporting progress to the Prime Minister to maintain oversight and accountability.

This proactive initiative marks a crucial step towards safeguarding Tonle Sap Lake’s rich biodiversity and improving the living conditions for its residents, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community support

• Policy and Strategy
• environment