KEP – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is contributing to the development of local communities in Kep province through two main projects — marine fisheries and education development. 

These projects support coastal communities that heavily rely on marine resources while improving human resources, particularly in STEM education.

On March 19, ADB took journalists to see two main projects that ADB has supported through loans and grants, including the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries (SCMF) project and Second Upper Secondary Education Sector Development Program (USESDP-2).

ADB president Masato Kanda, who assumed office on February 24, made his first visit to Cambodia and explored these projects in Kep. Kanda envisions collaborations with the Cambodian government to enhance development.

SCMF Project Sustains Coastal Communities’ Livelihoods 

The SCMF project focuses on 25 out of 41 marine community fisheries, spanning the provinces of Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong and Sihanoukville.

During his visit to Phum Thmei Community Fisheries in Kep city, Kanda underscored the project’s role in reviving marine resources, which ensures stable incomes for communities while fostering a healthier environment for future generations.

“Our main goal is to revive marine fish stocks, which directly support the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Kanda said. 

“During my short talk with fishermen, they mentioned an increase in fish stocks since adopting more responsible gear and conservation guidelines that preserve marine habitats.” 

Kanda said the project is revitalizing nearshore fish stocks, strengthening coastal livelihoods and encouraging sustainable resource management. 

He has seen how fisher families are embracing eco-friendly techniques and upgrading landing sites to protect marine ecosystems while sustaining their incomes.

The project is supported by ADB with a total budget of $63 million — $41 million in loans and $22 million in grants. It is co-financed by the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund ($10 million), Agence Francaise de Developpement ($20 million), and the Cambodian government ($11 million).

The project started in 2023 and is due for completion by 2030. It is implemented by the Fisheries Administration, part of the Agriculture Ministry alongside the Ministry of Environment and Khmer Enterprise.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina said the project benefits not only Kep province but also other coastal provinces. 

“Recently, we have deployed artificial fish sanctuaries using concrete blocks to replenish fish stocks and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries. These resources will also boost local tourism and food security,” Tina said.

“The site visit enabled the ADB president to observe community-led mangrove reforestation efforts and crab conservation, including the release of blue swimmer crabs to restore populations.” 

Established in 2008 and officially recognized by the Agriculture Ministry in 2013, the community spans 198 hectares and consists of 163 members, including 100 women. 

Nos Yep, the community’s head, said that before the project’s introduction, fishing alone did not provide sustainable income for many households. 

“With the project’s support, marine biodiversity has increased, significantly impacting local livelihoods. Tourists can now explore mangrove forests, seagrass conservation areas, crab hatcheries and mudflats,” Yep said. 

Activities include deploying habitats for fisheries, stock enhancement for crabs, promoting eco-tourism and restoring mangrove forests.

Community member Ya Laiman said that before the project, fishing alone was insufficient to sustain his family.

“Now, thanks to increasing fish stocks, our income has improved,” he said.

Laiman hopes for the project’s long-term sustainability. Through ADB’s support, he has gained skills in aquaculture, including farming blue swimmer crabs, Dungeness crabs and clams. 

He hopes to earn more income next year by selling seafood to tourists.

USESDP-2 Project Boost Student’s STEM Education 

ADB’s investment in the USESDP-2 project has significantly enhanced STEM learning opportunities, particularly at Hun Sen Chamkar Doung High School, which also benefits nearby high schools. 

The school has received from multiple ADB-funded projects, including a secondary resource center completed in 2014. This facility includes two computer labs, two science labs, a meeting room, a library and a teacher’s room.

The science labs enable students and teachers with opportunities for hands-on experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology, complementing their theoretical studies.

Long Sophea, the school’s director, said ADB’s support has enabled students to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice and take part in national STEM and food production competitions.

After the project implementation, Sophea has seen more students develop a genuine interest in STEM fields and student performance has improved noticeably. 

The project also enhances teachers’ professional development. It supports teacher training programs, career advancement opportunities and continuous professional development policies.

Kanda said that students he met expressed enthusiasm for hands-on learning and felt empowered to pursue careers that once seemed unreachable. 

“Some students come from low-income families, so having quality education makes a real difference. Teachers also said that new teaching methods boost students’ confidence and improve attendance,” he said. 

Kanda said ADB is committed to continue partnering with the government and local stakeholders to ensure that these opportunities reach more students. 

“When we invest in better learning environments, we invest in the health, prosperity and well-being of the country’s next generation,” he said. 

Grade 12 student Pho Kev Nary said her team won the 21st Century Youth Achievement Competition in STEM and food production.

“The facilities provided by ADB enabled my team to do the experiments in transforming green grass to making tea,” Nary said.

The ongoing program also includes the construction of two additional science classrooms, a multipurpose project-based learning space and the installation of solar panels. 

The project, targeting upper secondary education nationwide, is funded by ADB with a budget of $53.5 million — $15 million in loans, $35 million in grants, and $3.5 million from the Cambodian government. It was approved on December 30, 2018, and is set to end in June.