Project News

Under the framework of the subnational implementation component targeting Stung Treng province, the project has selected Phnom Ta Kong Community Forestry (CF) in Sesan district as its pilot CF to conduct experimental activities for the purpose of establishing a good example of CF management in Cambodia. Phnom Ta Kong was selected from among a few CFs in Stung Treng which were considered to meet the selection criteria through a careful screening after conducting site surveys.

Before and after the suspension of some of the project activities, especially those of subnational implementation, due to the restriction caused by COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, the project visited three CF candidates in total. In October 2021, after the site visits and consultations with development partners (DPs) who have been supporting CFs in the province such as CEPA, MVi, and RECOFTC, JICA experts and Stung Treng Provincial Forestry Administration Cantonment (FAC) have decided to select Phnom Ta Kong as the pilot CF of the project giving priorities to the largest area size of 1,073 ha, well-conditioned forest with high conservation value and active commitment of the local community for CF management.

As the next step following the pilot selection, a series of consultation meetings with Phnom Ta Kong CF members were organized to formulate the plan of activities for the pilot CF, which was also shared and consulted with the DPs above to elaborate the plan in an effort to synergize support while avoiding activity overlap. Afterward, upon the agreement of the CF members, the plan of activities has been finalized. The plan includes clarification of CF boundary, renovation of water pipes, construction of CF station, installation of billboards and signboards, improvement of patrol equipment, registration of CF land title, activation of CF Management Committee, introduction of Agroforestry, and promotion of animal husbandry that would contribute to the sustainable management of the CF directly or indirectly through livelihood improvement of the CF members.

Now that the selecting and planning stage have passed and a rough estimation of budget needed for each activity has been determined, the project is making preparations to kick-start the implementation of the pilot activities in the new fiscal year 2022, through fostering ownership of the CF members, especially the CF Management Committee, as well as active involvement of responsible FAC officers and other competent actors and stakeholders.

Site interview with Phnom Ta Kong CF members

Coordination meeting with DPs to formulate the plan of activities for pilot CF

The plan of activities was made through direct discussions with Phnom Ta Kong CF members

One of the CF members choosing preferable activities from proposed options

Participants in the consultation meeting with Phnom Ta Kong CF members

Phnom Ta Kong CF where the pilot activities will be launched soon