Using community based partnerships to enhance the adaptive capacity of coastal fishing communities: a Cambodian case-study

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether community based partnerships can assist in enhancing the adaptive capacity of coastal fishing communities in the face of change and future uncertainty. The fishing community of Prek Svay in the Koh Rong archipelago of Cambodia was selected and has been used as a case study. This choice was based on the proposition that small island communities and communities who rely on primary natural resources for their livelihoods are highly vulnerable to climatic and other environmental changes. On nearby Islands Koh Ouen and Koh Bong is the Song Saa Private Island Resort who have recently begun working with this community through their Conservation and Community Program. Data was collected over a five week period during June to July this year with participant observation and semi structured interviews the main methods employed. An assessment framework that synthesis and compares vulnerability and resilience theory with the literature on sustainable livelihoods will be used to assess changes in adaptive capacity.