Award: Documentary Award

Time: February 7-12, 2005
Place: Floating village of Chong Kneas, Tonle Sap, Cambodia
Nationality: Tonle Sap lake People Cinhabitants of Chong Kneas

The Tonle Sap is a combined lake and river system of huge importance to Cambodia . It is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.

This ecosystem is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world, supporting over 3 million people and providing over 75% of Cambodia 's annual inland fish catch and 60% of the Cambodians' protein intake. It is also a direct source of livelihoods for more than 1 million people living on and around the lake. High population growth is increasing the number of people to feed and consumptive use of the Tonle Sap Basin's resources is intense. Threats to the lake include overexploitation of fisheries and wildlife and due to over-fishing, the supplies offish in the lake are not given the chance to be replenished. However, the lake is in deep crisis, never has the lake been called upon to supply so much to so many, yet threats to its ecosystem are manifold: increasing demands on its land, water, and biotic resources are threatening the lake's fragile ecology.