Policy Dialogue on Fisheries(FACT) FACT programs support communities, community based organizations and networks, including Cambodian Coalition of Fishers; and through its work also engages directly and facilitates community and NGO dialogue with # other key stakeholders, particularly government to discuss policies and practices related to fisheries. FACT has helped convened and participated in many multi-stakeholder forums tostrengthen cooperation in fisheries management in Cambodia. Through Inclusion Project, Fact is strengthening capacity of coalitionsof CBOs and Community Fisheries and NGO allies toward fisheries resources ownership and sustainability in Mekong and Tonie Sap (SCCBO-NGO), and facilitate community and CSOs engagement in policy dialogue and influencing on fishery policy and law.

Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT), a national NGO, focuses its work around the Tonle Sap, coastal and provinces on issues that affect fishing communities# livelihoods. FACT#s programs support communities, community-based organisations and networks, including Cambodian Coalition of Fishers; and through its work also engages directly # and facilitates community and NGO dialogues with # other key stakeholders, particularly government to discuss policies and practices related to fisheries. FACT has helped convened and participated in many multi-stakeholder forums to strengthen cooperation in fisheries management in Cambodia. FACT#s goal is Coalitions of Cambodian Fishers and NGOs are capable, and their activities are well implemented and effective that ensure the voice of fishers are heard, supported and positive changes are made.

FACT has established and supported 116 Community-based organizations and community fisheries nation-wide. CBO formation is part of the democratic processes toward community development through the active participation of all grassroots communities/fishers. FACT has mobilized and built up CBO#s capacity to enhance their ownership in fishery resources management. FACT also works to promote community awareness andadvocate for positive changes. In addition, FACT engages the CBOs to improvetheir livelihoods and good governance through better understanding of the implementation and enforcement of fisheries law. However,CBOs# capacity still needs to be strengthened.Based on the annual internal assessment conducted by FACT, only around 50%-55% of all116 CBOs/CFis are strong in terms of institutional management, communication, networking and advocacy. Capacity development is a main vehicle for CBOs to gain ownershipand fullfil their rights to access the natural resources in sustainable way.

Oxfam water governance funds FACT to implement the project called #Strengthening capacity of Fishers# Network and NGO coalition towards fisheries resources sustainability andownership in the Mekong and Tonle Sap regions.# The project is implementing in 2 provinces (Kampong Cham and Stung Treng) in the Mekong and 3 districts in Tonle Sap lake.

Overall objective of the project is that #NGO partners and Coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CCBO) in Cambodia#s Mekong and Tonle Sap are well connected and strengthened to actively participate in fisheries resources management.#

The project implementing using multi-pronged approaches, capacity building, advocacy and networking, conservation, and dissemination of best practices.  The project focus on a two-tiered approach of working at the nationallevel where non-governmental organizations are carrying out vital work on policy dialogue and advocacy, and at the local level where grassroots fishers and fishery communities are involved in protection, preservation, and expansion efforts.  By aiming to improve the governance of these resources, the action will contribute directly to the global objective of the call which focusses on supporting CSOs and local authorities# contribution towards reinforced governance, accountability and inclusive policy-making. Through its emphasis on policy dialogue and advocacy, the project also sits well within the specific objective to enhance CSOs contributions to governance and development process as an actor in governance and accountability, partners in promoting local governance and accountability. It is central to the success of the action that local authorities become more engaged in addressing fisheries management issues, and integrating them into local development and planning initiatives.