Khann Bory, leader of patrol in the Kep Fishery Community, discusses his community’s dreams — a coastal vision that grows from the hands and hearts of those who live by the shore.
The Kep fishery community member shared how his community is turning challenges into opportunities for a brighter, sustainable future at a “Meeting on Strengthening Community Fisheries Management in Kep” on 3 October 2025.
“In our community, there are 111 members, and about 50% are fishers,” Bory explained. “We want to build toilets, a better wooden bridge because the current bridge is not good, and we need a proper roof for guests to sit under.”
For him, infrastructure is more than a practical necessity — it is a doorway to possibility.
A Strategic Coastal Hub for Local Livelihoods
“We are at a good location,” he said.
This community site is perfectly situated with an access on Angkol Beach road in Kep city, between lush mangroves and the open sea, with stunning views of the surrounding islands. Its prime location gives the local community a unique advantage to improve livelihoods while showcasing Kep’s coastal treasures.
Improved infrastructure and welcoming spaces could unlock this potential and attract more visitors to local communities.
So far, the community has been actively involved in reforestation efforts through Action Education / Aide et Action’s (AEA) CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the European Union. “They have supported our community to plant and grow mangroves,” he noted.
Every mangrove planted, every fish nurtured, and every community member involved is a step toward a future where people and nature thrive together.
Education and Innovation: Shaping the Future
Education and knowledge are key to realising Bory’s vision. “Our community committee needs to be more active. We also need to gain more knowledge through training,” he explained.
His vision goes beyond tourism. “I also want to develop fish farming to improve livelihoods in our community,” he added. Alongside conservation, Bory is interested in fish raising to strengthen economic resilience, providing families with sustainable income while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
In Kep, the tides are rising — and so is a group of fishers determined to shape their own future. Here, livelihoods and nature converge, with a fishing community getting prepared to take the lead.
