The Political Ecologies of the Tonle Sap: Global, Regional and National Framework for Conservation and Development

Abstract

Situated in Cambodia, the TSL (TSL) is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and the Mekong River Basin (MRB). It is a globally important biodiversity hotspot, while also displaying significant economic, livelihood, and food-production values. However, the lake and its resources are under significant pressure from over-fishing, and upstream development (particularly hydropower) has affected its hydrology and sediment supply to the lake. Many actors at local, national, regional, and global levels have sought to influence how the lake’s resources are managed, utilized, and developed – although at this stage, without notable impact. This paper analyzes the political ecology of the TSL’s demise. It seeks to show how the complex interplay of actors, arranged at various scales, has collectively created the challenges facing the lake, giving rise to questions about the long-term sustainability of its resources and the livelihoods that depend upon it.