Contribution of Forestry to Poverty Alleviation - APFNet

Forest Policy
The RGC endeavors to implement a coordinated set of laws, programs, action plans, and institutional
arrangements for forest resources that are directed toward the achievement of national goals of
environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction, socio-economic development,
and good governance. A policy brief that aims to contribute to discussions on SFM in post-concession
areas toward MDG 1 on poverty reduction highlights the need for clear and secure land and user rights
for long-term investments in SFM, the uncertainty of the future of concession forestry, opportunities
in the form of partnership forestry, and expansion of community forestry and small-scale private
plantations (CDRI 2006).
The RGC declared its intention to reorient forest policy towards increasing reforestation activities
through the participation of local communities, armed forces, and all levels of authority (RGC 2003).
Furthermore, the government is strengthening its support to CF, which was mainly assisted and
financed by NGOs. Many forest concessions were cancelled or suspended due to their unsatisfactory
performance in terms of SFM, and some of the concession management plans are currently being
reviewed and revised in compliance with the Forestry Law and new concession guidelines.
The RGC is trying to tackle the issues of deforestation and forest degradation by taking measures to
improve forest management practices, to crack down on illegal forest activities, and to promote the
participation of local communities in forest management activities, decision-making, and implementation
processes under the supervision of the FA.
The RGC and people in Cambodia are faced with serious challenges to develop the national economy,
alleviate poverty and, at the same time, ensure sustainability of the forest resources for future
generations. The RGC does not have sufficient capacity to ensure the sustainable management and
conservation of forest resources. Therefore all stakeholders and the Cambodian people need to take
part in supporting the process. Collaboration with other countries, especially neighboring countries, is
essential in sharing experiences and in coordinating on plans for economic development and measures
for forest conservation. Local authorities, the private sector, local communities, research institutions,
international organizations, and other relevant stakeholders will also serve as significant catalysts in the
conservation of forest resources and sustainable development. Building and working with partnership
is crucial to ensure the success of SFM.
The RGC adopted policies on the Development of Indigenous Peoples and the Registration and Use
of the Indigenous Peoples’ Community Land in Cambodia. The objectives are (i) to ensure effective
administration of State land and the conservation of State public properties, including forest land,
natural resources, and the environment which are under the management of various State entities; (ii)
to expand and strengthen the national economic base through promoting private sector investment in
agro-industry (e.g. rubber plantation), minerals, and others; and, (iii) to mitigate risks of conflict of
interest between indigenous peoples and the appropriation of economic land concessions to protect the
best interest of the country.
Forestry Reform
Major achievements and challenges in the implementation of the National Strategy
Development Plan (NSDP) 2006-2010
The forestry-related laws and regulations were implemented with the collaboration of all concerned
institutions to address forest resource management issues, such as prevention and control of illegal
forest land grabbing. Reforestation and tree planting, CF establishment, forest boundary demarcation,
wildlife and forest research and conservation, and the development of the National Forest Programme
(NFP) were actively carried out as planned. To achieve the above goals in the forestry sector, the RGC
is committed to implement a NFP with the following priorities:
• Strengthening of forestry management and conservation
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