The objectives of the 3S Hydropower Advocacy and Dialogue program aim to assist local communities living along the 3S Rivers in Cambodia to access the appropriate officials, to voice their concerns and requests regarding the restoration of their river and river dependent livelihoods, to urge government and donor agencies to respond to communities concerns and requests in a timely and transparent manner, and to build and strengthen the advocacy coalition and network of NGO’s and individuals working in support of 3S communities locally, nationally and internationally. This program also aims to strengthen the capacity of local indigenous communities to present their views and voice out their concerns to key stakeholders at all levels regarding development activities affecting their rights, culture, livelihoods, and natural resources.  This program promotes local network mobilisation, network capacity building, and local, national, and international networking.

By bringing together various stakeholders in dialogue and negotiation, 3SPN has helped to facilitate local, national and regional forums in order to seek remedy for the 3S communities. At the local level, 3SPN has helped community representatives organize yearly 3S Rivers Celebrations for the past 9 years. These celebrations bring together members of the 3S community network, along with community representatives from Stung Treng, the Mekong River, Tonle Sap and other parts of Cambodia. The celebration allows communities to meet, celebrate their achievements, while also building solidarity and motivation to continue their work. These events also bring together various stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Environment, Provincial Governors, relevant provincial departments and local authorities, and US Embassy officials, in order to directly hear and respond to community concerns. As a result of these celebrations many stakeholders have publicly stated that they will bring the concerns of the communities to their superiors.

Various other local level forums of dialogue have occurred with annual district and commune level workshops that involve local authorities in reviewing the problems faced by local communities, information sharing, and advocacy planning.

3SPN has also helped to facilitate key stakeholders to directly meet stakeholders by arranging field visits for the World Bank, JICA consultants carrying out the Hydropower Master Plan for Cambodia, STRIVER researchers, EIA consultants, and ADB’s 3S Technical Assistance team, members of the National Assembly, and local, national and international media.