An artificial canal has been dug around the border of a community forest within the Tumring REDD+ Project. Tumring REDD+ Project
The registration of eight community forest areas, encompassing a total land area of 12,984 hectares, has been supported by the Tumring REDD+ Project. In addition, a 27,508-metre artificial boundary canal was excavated around the community forests last year.
The registration and canal excavation aim to secure the forest lands, helping to protect them from illegal encroachment and prevent forest-related crimes, while reducing land disputes.
The registered community forests have received legal certification and are clearly posted with signs informing the public that they are fully protected by forestry laws and land management regulations.
The Tumring REDD+ Project, a collaborative initiative between South Korea and Cambodia, spans 67,791 hectares in Sandan and Santuk districts of Kampong Thom province. Beyond protecting community forest land and improving the livelihoods of local communities, the project is estimated to reduce annual carbon emissions by 378,434 tonnes.
It also strengthens law enforcement efforts by supporting the forestry administration officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as other enforcement teams.
In 2024, these teams confiscated 39 chainsaws, 11 tractors, 35 motorcycles and 12.8 cubic metres of illegally harvested timber. They also reclaimed 1,965 hectares of encroached forest land, uprooted 555,303 illegally planted trees, and destroyed 105 kilns and charcoal pits. They also referred 18 cases to the courts.
Additionally, the project is enhancing community livelihoods by providing 66 biogas stoves to forest households and maintaining solar-powered water pumps for them. In 2024, the project also supported businesses which buy liquid tree resin, with 4,593 kilogrammes bought from community members.
The eight registered community forests are among 14 community forests in the Tumring REDD+ Project area, covering a total forest area of 19,493 hectares.
The head of the provincial agriculture department Pen Vanrith, and Bun Sothy, chief of the provincial Forestry Administration, were unavailable for comment regarding the registration.
In collaboration with its partners, the Tumring REDD+ Project management team are continually working to promote registration of additional community forest lands, the establishment of reforestation stations, and the dissemination of forestry laws and wildlife protection efforts within the project area.
The team is working on reforestation efforts in designated reforestation stations and prioritising natural forest conservation zones, reforestation areas and community development zones to enhance the livelihoods of community members within the project area.
