“Cutting down one tree results in a double loss: first, the release of stored carbon and second, the loss of the tree’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide,” Ministry of Environment secretary of state Chuop Paris explained to indigenous communities during the dissemination of the “Ponlok Baitong” (green sprout) campaign at the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary last weekend.
Launched in July, the campaign, introduced to the ancestral lands of the indigenous Bunong people, is connected to the Keo Seima REDD+ Project, a collaborative initiative between the ministry and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of the project, which has been operating for 14 years across 20 indigenous villages. The effort covers 166,983 hectares of forest within the more than 300,000 hectares of the sanctuary.
A significant portion of the funds generated from carbon credits sold through the project is allocated to the community, benefiting approximately 20,000 members through the Cash for Communities (C4C) programme.
To date, the community has received around $2 million directly from the project for community development and livelihood improvements based on their priorities.
These include installing clean water systems and wells, providing mobile clinics, repairing roads within villages, constructing bridges and community meeting halls, installing culverts, building latrines, repairing schools, providing school supplies and meals, funding savings groups and purchasing cattle, poultry breeds and agricultural equipment.
Paris informed the indigenous communities that the implementation of the Keo Seima REDD+ Project, Cambodia’s first such initiative, has shown the international community that “Cambodia has now stopped logging. Previously, we cut down trees for income, but now we protect the forests and receive funding in return.”
The launch of the project aims to highlight the country’s efforts in managing forest resources, improving the livelihoods of communities in protected areas and contributing to climate change mitigation.
REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a national programme aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Its primary objectives are to conserve forests for national benefits and contribute to global climate change mitigation under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Beyond providing timber and ecological services, forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby significantly reducing global GHG emissions.
“The REDD+ project funds are solely dedicated to forest conservation, biodiversity protection, supporting local communities and improving governance. The REDD+ project is highly transparent, with all activities reported on international websites. It cannot lie,” he said.
Environment ministry secretary of state Chuop Paris addresses officials and indigenous people during the dissemination of the Ponlok Baitong campaign at the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary last weekend. Environment ministry
Paris explained that selling carbon involves three key stakeholders: the state authority, represented by the ministry as the owner; the project promoters and implementers, in this case, WCS at the sanctuary; and finally, the validators or carbon assessors who certify the project’s compliance with international standards, such as Verra.
He elaborated that forests act as absorbers of carbon dioxide and emitters of oxygen. This ability to absorb carbon dioxide is known as carbon credits. Therefore, forests serve two critical functions: storing their own carbon and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“Selling carbon is not about selling wood, but rather the forest’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide,” he said.
“The more carbon dioxide a forest absorbs, the more credits it can produce, which is why it is essential to protect our forests,” he added.
Cambodia has at least seven REDD+ projects currently in the study phase, including those in the Central Cardamom Mountains, the Northern Plains Landscape and the Lumphat, Phnom Tnaot, Siem Pang, Prey Lang and Phnom Samkos wildlife sanctuaries.
In addition to the Keo Seima project, the country has the Southern Cardamom REDD+ project, operated by Wildlife Alliance, which is ongoing.
Paris stated that next year, Cambodia expects to launch new projects in areas such as the Kulen Promtep, Phnom Samkos and Prey Lang wildlife sanctuaries, among others, with potential for future expansions. However, he could not yet provide estimates on the amount of carbon or revenue that these projects might generate.
“We cannot just initiate a REDD+ project anywhere. It requires forests with the capacity to generate carbon. If the study shows it’s not viable, we won’t proceed because the project would fail. We must choose carefully; not all forests are suitable,” he emphasised.
Ngin Sovimean, deputy governor of Mondulkiri province, expressed the provincial administration’s support for the REDD+ project, as it helps protect forests, improves community livelihoods and supports provincial officials by providing office supplies like computers.
Under the Keo Seima REDD+ Project, nearly $1 million per year is spent on patrolling activities by environmental rangers, with funding also provided to 15 other project partners. Environment ministry
Additionally, he noted that effective forest protection supports the tourism sector, aligning with the provincial administration's goal to boost visitor numbers.
“We must enforce the law 100 per cent without exception to protect the forests. There have been allegations against some officials, but these are just accusations without evidence. If there are complaints or clear proof, the provincial governor will take legal action,” he said.
WCS deputy director Neth Vibol stated that around 20 companies have purchased carbon credits from the Keo Seima project. However, detailed data on the sales is not available.
He mentioned that approximately $11 million from carbon credit sales has been contributed to the state budget, with an additional $2 million allocated for community development. Nearly $1 million per year is spent on patrolling activities by environmental rangers, with funding also provided to 15 other project partners.
“The project funds are used to strengthen law enforcement, conduct regular patrols, improve community livelihoods and build the capacity of relevant officials to sustainably manage the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary,” he said.
Since 2018, around $90,000 from the REDD+ project has been used to develop an eco-tourism site, Leng Kao Waterfall, spanning over 18 hectares in Andoung Kraloeng village, Sen Monorom commune in Mondulkiri’s O’Raing district. The site was opened to national and international visitors in 2023.
Sen Ti, a member of the Leng Kao Ecotourism Committee, stated that the project has increased community income, protected natural resources, preserved indigenous culture and promoted tourism development in the province.
“The REDD+ project is essential in reducing poverty. It has developed our community and raised awareness among members, some of whom were not fully aware of the importance of protecting the forest. This has led to the creation of the eco-tourism site,” she said.
Recognising the significant benefits from the project, she hopes to see more REDD+ initiatives in other areas to bring similar development to other communities.
The Ponlok Baitong campaign was first introduced in Pursat province in July, with Mondulkiri being the second province to adopt it. The campaign aims to support forest restoration to achieve 60 per cent forest cover across Cambodia by 2050.
To date, the ministry has continued to distribute a total of 235,389 saplings for planting, including 29,499 palm trees, 195,819 forest trees and 10,071 fruit trees.
On September 23, the Mondulkiri environment department distributed 2,110 saplings to local authorities and residents for planting in their respective areas, according to the ministry.
Paris also highlighted the ministry’s 2023-2028 strategic plan, which focuses on three pillars for Cambodia: Clean, Green (Baitong) and Sustainable.
He said the strategy aims to ensure a comprehensive approach to environmental cleanliness, improved sanitation, sustainable management of forests and natural resources in response to climate change and the promotion of green development.
The ultimate goal of the ministry’s strategy is to fulfil the aspirations outlined in the Rectangular Strategy, transforming Cambodia into a carbon-neutral country with 60 per cent forest cover by 2050.
