Cambodia Establishes National Task Force for Sustainable Forest Protection Land Grant Program

• 15 November 2024
• Local News
• 178 Views

In a significant move towards sustainable development, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has signed on establishing a National Committee dedicated to implementing the Forest Protection Land Grant Program. This initiative is formalized under Royal Decree No. នស/រកត/១១២៤/១៤​១​២, dated November 6, 2024.

Committee Overview:

The committee referred to as “ផ.ក.អ” (Committee for the Forest Protection Land Grant Program), aims to address pressing social issues by providing social land concessions to homeless individuals and impoverished families. The primary objectives are to enable these families to construct homes and secure land for agricultural activities. The “ផ.ក.អ”  will also play a crucial role in promoting community development projects while simultaneously safeguarding forests adjacent to the land grant sites.

Key Responsibilities of the “ផ.ក.អ”:

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.

The National Committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister, reinforcing the government’s commitment to this critical initiative. The committee’s mandate will conclude with the end of the seventh term of the Government, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of the initiative.

This comprehensive approach aims to balance social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development, positioning Cambodia as a leader in proactive forest conservation and community development efforts.

• Policy and Strategy
• land development and policy