Cambodia Launches National Committee to Oversee Forest Protection Land Grant Program

• 15 November 2024
• Local News
• 631 Views

In a landmark effort to promote sustainable development, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has signed a Royal Decree (No. នស/រកត/១១២៤/១៤​១​២) to establish a National Committee tasked with implementing the Forest Protection Land Grant Program.

This initiative aims to provide social land concessions to homeless individuals and impoverished families for housing and agriculture while safeguarding forests near the land grant sites. The decree was issued on 6 November 2024.

Committee Objectives and Responsibilities

The newly formed committee, known as “ផ.ក.អ” (Committee for the Forest Protection Land Grant Program), is mandated to tackle pressing social issues and promote balanced development. Key responsibilities include:

1. Policy Development: Define and establish comprehensive policies governing the forest protection land provision program to ensure collaborative and sustainable development.
2. Land Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify and select appropriate locations for inclusion in the forest protection land provision program, thereby fostering a strategic approach to land use.
3. Eligibility Determination: Evaluate and determine the qualifications of individuals eligible to receive plots of land through social land concessions, ensuring fair access to resources.
4. Development Planning: Assess and approve development plans in and around designated forest protection land grant sites. This includes planning for essential infrastructure projects that support both the land allocation and surrounding areas.
5. Land Use Management: Review requests to cancel, amend, or adjust land use and distribution plans, as well as manage cases involving land confiscation from individuals who do not comply with tenure and usage conditions.
6. Budget Oversight: Analyze and approve funding needs for the successful implementation of the forest protection land grant program, ensuring that adequate financial resources are allocated.
7. Community Engagement: Address grievances and complaints from affected individuals or communities concerning the forest protection land provision program, fostering open communication and accountability.
8. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Facilitate partnerships with private sector development entities and other stakeholders interested in supporting the Forest Protection Land Grant Program, thereby enhancing resource mobilization and sustainability efforts.
9. Implementation Guidance: Provide strategic guidance on best practices and methodologies for the effective execution of forest protection land provision programs, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and community benefit.

Government Leadership and Vision

The committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister, reinforcing the government’s commitment to this initiative. Its mandate is set to align with the current government’s term, underscoring the urgency and significance of the program. This initiative balances social equity with environmental sustainability, contributing to Cambodia’s goals for forest conservation and socio-economic progress.

By addressing homelessness, boosting agricultural productivity, and protecting natural resources, the Forest Protection Land Grant Program positions Cambodia as a leader in sustainable development and community-driven conservation.

• Policy and Strategy
• land development and policy