Phnom Penh: Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment (MoE), in collaboration with Conservation International Cambodia (CI Cambodia), conducted a field visit to the Central Cardamom REDD+ Project in Thmar Bang district, Koh Kong province. The visit aimed to monitor work progress and understand the needs for more effective and sustainable implementation of the project.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the field trip was led by H.E. Dr. Chuop Paris, Cambodian Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment and REDD+ Taskforce Focal Person. The delegation included high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the deputy provincial governor of Koh Kong, officials from the Provincial Department of Environment, rangers, Village REDD+ Focal Points, and CI staff, totaling 39 participants, including five women and five indigenous people.

The visit covered four main target areas: the CI Thmar Bang office, the community implementing the sustainable livelihood programme, which includes chicken and lemongrass essential oil groups, the community engagement and benefit-sharing group, and the Thmar Bang ranger station in Koh Kong province.

Participants gained insights into the CC REDD+ project overview and sustainable livelihood activities. They engaged with Village REDD+ Focal Points to discuss the community benefit-sharing mechanism and met with rangers to learn about law enforcement activities in the protected areas of the Cardamom Mountains National Park.

The Central Cardamom Mountains National Park and the Central Cardamom REDD+ Project were launched in 2022. They aim to provide long-term sustainable financing to benefit the management of the landscape area and improve the livelihoods of communities in and around the area.