2.2.2. The World network of biosphere reserves

Recognizing the ecological, economical, and socio-cultural value of the lake, the Royal Government of Cambodia decided to designate the entire Tonle Sap Great Lake as a biosphere reserve under the Man and Biosphere Programme of UNESCO in October 1997, and on June 3, 1998 the Tonle Sap Great Lake was included in the Word Network of Biosphere Reserves. Dr. Mok Mareth, Senior Minister, Minister for the Environment of the Kingdom of Cambodia, stated that Tonle Sap Great Lake is the "heart and soul of the people of Cambodia" (National Environmental Action Plan 1998-2002).

The Tonle Sap Great Lake is divided into three zones, namely three core areas, a buffer zone, and a transition zone. The three core areas are unique ecosystems with high conservation value. The buffer zone is covered by flooded forest, where fishery activities are dominant. The transition zone is farmland, where rain-fed rice and floating rice are cultivated. The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve is designed to reconcile the needs for biodiversity and environmental conservation with economic development in an integrated manner. The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has three functions: conservation, sustainable development, and education and research.

• The core area is used for long-term protection of species and ecosystems of national and international significance.
• The buffer zone surrounding the core areas is defined to ensure the protection of the core area, where only activities compatible with sustainable uses of biodiversity are allowed.
• The transition zone is the area of cooperation of different stakeholders, local communities, management agencies, scientists, NGOs and other groups for sustainable management and development of the area's resources.

The three core areas identified within the Tonle Sap floodplain are, namely Prek Toal, Boeng Tonle Chmar/Moat Khla, and Stung Sen. These three core areas are unique, which contain preserved flooded forests for reproduction of fish, water birds of international significance, and diversity of wild animals. Protection of these core areas is important not only for the increased number of species, but also to sustain the fish stock and catch, which would improve the living standards of local communities.

2.2.2.1. Prek Toal Core Area

This area is the most unique habitat of the core areas with a richness and abundance of flora and fauna species, and the presence of endemic and endangered species. The area has a high density of large water birds of global significance, all kinds of water snakes, and a variety of habitats (grasslands, flooded forests, and shrubs). The area is home to many mammal species, particularly macaques and silvered languor. It is the most productive area for fish harvesting. Most likely, Prek Toal is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the wetlands of Southeast Asia.

2.2.2.2. Boeng Tonle Chhmar

Boeng Chhmar is ranked second after Prek Toal, probably due to prolonged human disturbances. Nevertheless, the area is home to a variety of flooded forest, diverse fish species, and water birds. The area is the most important habitat for mollusk species. Boeng Chhmar is a beautiful place with a high scenic value. The area serves as an important feeding ground for migratory birds. Local informants reported the presence of endangered giant barbs of 80 kg in weight caught last year. The fish species assemblage is different from that of Prek Toal core area. The abundance of mollusk and bivalve is also an interesting physiognomy of the Boeng Chhmar ecosystem.

2.2.2.3. Stung Sen Core Area

The best tallest primary flooded forest is found in the Stung Sen core area and fishing sanctuary No.2 in Kampong Thom Province. A visit by the working group found the area to have the last remnants of a pristine flooded forest, which would be an interesting place for researchers to use as indicator for the assessment of the present distribution of flooded forest within Tonle Sap Lake.

Table 2: Species diversity

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Table of contents > 2. River Basins > 2.2. Tonle Sap River System

2.2.1. Introduction

2.2.2. The World network of biosphere reserves

2.2.3. The Royal Decree

2.2.4. Tributaries of the Tonle Sap Great Lake

2.2.5. Detailed survey of surface water in the Tonle Sap Great Lake catchment