NatureLife Cambodia and the Davane Company jointly launched an expansion agreement for the “Crane Rice” project on January 8. The initiative aims to conserve the critically endangered sarus crane, improve the livelihoods of farming communities and promote healthy rice consumption.

Bou Vorsak, executive director of NatureLife Cambodia, explained that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between his organisation and Davane Company signifies a new partnership which aims to expand the national market for Crane Rice.

“Crane Rice is a nature-based solution initiative dedicated to conserving the sarus crane from extinction by fostering strong community support,” he said, adding that over the past four years, the number of Crane Rice farmers has grown from 40 to 120 households, and the safe habitat for the rare species has expanded from 219 hectares to 386 hectares. 

“The annual increase in Crane Rice yield is a testament to the programme’s success. That is why we are thrilled to collaborate with Davane Store to expand Crane Rice markets nationwide through today’s MoU signing,” he added.

The sarus crane (Antigone antigone sharpii) is present across Indochina, but is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In the 2023 sarus crane census result, only 180 birds were recorded in Cambodia. In the last ten years, the number of sarus cranes has declined drastically due to the high mortality rate and lower nesting success, NatureLife Cambodia stated in a press release. 

The additional threats include deteriorating habitat conditions, nesting disturbance, poisoning caused by agricultural chemical pesticide use, lack of food, hunting, change of water regime and also climate change-related factors. 

It highlighted that Anlung Pring, in Kampot’s Kampong Trach district, is a vital wetland that supports more than 35 per cent of the total sarus crane population during its non-breeding season from December to May. However, the cranes still face significant threats in and around the protected landscape. These include habitat conversion, food scarcity and poisoning from the overuse of pesticide. 

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with NatureLife Cambodia, launched the Crane Rice initiative in 2019. Guided by 12 key criteria, the programme engages farmers with rice fields near Anlung Pring to support both the cranes and local livelihoods. 

The initiative promotes the cultivation of native, crane-preferred rice varieties without the use of chemical fertilisers or herbicides. Farmers leave 5 to 50 per cent of their rice yield in the fields as supplemental food for the sarus crane during its non-breeding period. On average, Crane Rice farmers collectively produce about 300 tonnes of rice annually, balancing ecological conservation with sustainable agriculture.

Chheng Makara, Davane CEO, noted that the sarus crane is a symbol of the Kingdom’s pride, and believed the Crane Rice project represents a business model with a mission – to preserve this majestic species. 

“Four years ago, this was just a hope; but today, we are proud of the partnership with NatureLife Cambodia. A hundred years from now, we want our grandchildren to marvel at the sarus crane as we do today,” he said. 

Crane Rice is a fine quality red jasmine that stands for consumers, farmers and nature – which are the three guiding principles of Davane, he added. 

Cheng Sovanna, chief of the Crane Rice Farmers Group, reiterated that the community members are committed to practicing sustainable agricultural techniques that benefit the sarus crane, a source of great pride for their community. 

“We deeply thank all Crane Rice consumers – your choice not only promotes good health but also helps improve our livelihoods and protect the sarus crane for the next generations,” she said.