Cooperation with Cambodian Government in Mangrove Project


　A mangrove forest rehabilitation project was launched in Cambodia in October 2005 under the cooperative framework of OISCA Cambodia, Cambodian Environmental Ministry and OISCA headquarters. On 7 October 2006, Mr. Kim Nong, Deputy Director, Department of Environmental Education, the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, visited OISCA headquarters and reported about the progress and achievements of the one-year-old project.

　The project initiated in Koh Kong Province, south-western part of the country as a three year project, was aimed at reforesting about 30 hectares of coastal area within the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary. Koh Kong Province had cut a lot of mangrove trees in the past as they were consumed as materials for charcoal. The loss of mangroves led to the destruction of coastal ecosystems, which rapidly depleted the source of livelihood of village people who depended on marine resources along the coast line.

　As of October 2006, a total of about 1,000 villagers, students, teachers and staff members of the Environmental Ministry took part in the mangrove planting work, having completed planting about 15 hectares. In parallel with the actual planting work, OISCA organized workshops for villagers to enhance the awareness about the necessities of mangrove forests, to impart knowledge and skills of planting, and management of forest resources.
During his stay at the OISCA headquarters, Mr. Kim Nong talked to the headquarters officials about the significance of the project.

　“As of October this year, it is only three month since the first planting work was carried out in August 2006. We need to continue taking care of the planted trees. It was significant that we worked in close cooperation with the local people, who have understood the importance of mangrove forests through their participation in the practical work, workshops, and lecture meetings, and proved to be highly cooperative in the project. The villagers learned about the meaning of eco-systems, and usefulness of mangrove trees to nurture many living beings in the forests. To my pleasant surprise, no body cut mangroves nowadays. Since they worked together, they have acquired a sense of solidarity and spirit of cooperation among themselves. Besides the actual forests that have been created, this consciousness of people about their forests and their own community is a noteworthy achievement. The village people enjoyed taking part in the mangrove planting, and really appreciate the value of project.”

　“I think that this project has set an example of international cooperation, restoration of mangrove forests, and most importantly enhancing peoples’ awareness.” “Recently, the Governor of Koh Kong visited the site in person, and a TV net reported on the project. 30 hectares of land as a planting site is small by comparison with the total area of Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary. Yet, the project is giving a great deal of impact to many parties concerned.”

　“The project’s term is three years, and we need to carry this out, and make it a success. The site is far, and it takes us more than eight hours one way from Phnom Penh to reach there. We need to establish a more efficient coordination mechanism to achieve an ultimate success.”