Sustainability

Cambodia’s fisheries sector is at the forefront of sustainable development, demonstrating how ecosystem protection and community livelihoods can coexist. Recent efforts under the EU-funded CAPFISH Capture programme exemplify this commitment, showcasing innovative strategies to support local communities while conserving aquatic habitats.

In early January, a delegation from the Fisheries Administration (FiA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries visited Preah Sihanouk province. The visit, supported by CAPFISH, highlighted the progress made in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management.

Global Perspective on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Manuel Barange, assistant director-general and director of fisheries and aquaculture at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), provided a global context for the sector. He noted that global fish production has remained stable at 90–92 million tonnes annually over the past three decades. However, one-third of fish stocks are overexploited, creating a need for sustainable solutions.

“Aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production system globally, expanding by 5% annually since 2000,” Barange stated. “Cambodia, as a significant producer, has vast potential for further growth, particularly through investment in aquaculture and creating a legal framework that encourages private sector participation.”

Advancing Sustainable Fisheries Management

The delegation explored key sites, including Community Fisheries (CFi) committees, mangrove nurseries, reforestation areas, and the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) operation room. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia, emphasized the importance of sustainable fisheries management, pointing out the country’s unique dependence on fish for nutrition.

“Cambodians consume more fish per capita than any other population, with 75–80% of their protein derived from fish,” Bell explained. “To safeguard this essential resource, fisheries must be well-managed, climate-adapted, and sustainable.”

Bell underscored that community fishing groups play a critical role in this process by developing management plans and ensuring their vessels comply with sustainability measures.

Achievements Under CAPFISH

Cambodia has achieved remarkable milestones under the CAPFISH programme. Key habitats, including 136 hectares of mangroves, have been preserved, while over 1,000 demarcation poles have been installed to protect coral and seagrass ecosystems. Advanced monitoring systems like SMART patrolling tools, drones, and the Fisheries Information Management System now oversee 925 marine vessels, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards.

The programme has empowered 250 community groups by providing grants to 150 CFis and 100 Community Fish Refuges (CFRs), fostering collaboration and sustainable practices. Additionally, over 1,250 individuals, including fisheries officers and community members, have been trained in fisheries management and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.

Women in Fisheries: A Vital Role

Bell highlighted the indispensable role of women in Cambodia’s aquatic food sector. While men are often seen operating fishing vessels, women are central to processing and marketing fish.

“To ensure sustainable aquatic food value chains, women’s contributions must be recognised, their safety ensured, and the livelihoods of fishing families supported,” Bell said.

The Path Forward

Barange is optimistic about the future of aquaculture in Cambodia, describing it as “the only animal food system achieving extraordinary growth.” He emphasized that sustainability and climate adaptation are key to ensuring the long-term viability of the sector.

“Adding value to aquatic production within Cambodia will unlock new market opportunities and provide greater benefits to local communities,” Barange noted.

The CAPFISH programme represents a transformative journey for Cambodia’s fisheries sector, striking a balance between ecological sustainability and economic growth. By investing in aquaculture development, empowering communities, and addressing climate challenges, Cambodia is building a resilient future for its fisheries and the livelihoods they sustain.

Source: Phnompenhpost

The Heritage Group has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Khmer Green Charcoal Co., Ltd. (KGC), a pioneering Cambodian enterprise transforming agricultural waste, such as coconut shells, into sustainable charcoal products. The deal, revealed on January 15, underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainability and environmental progress.

Established in 2012, KGC has been a trailblazer in sustainable charcoal production, with a mission to combat deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and create economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. These objectives align closely with the Heritage Group’s overarching goals.

“Since its establishment, KGC has emerged as a leader in sustainable charcoal production, reducing deforestation, lowering CO2 emissions, and creating job opportunities for underprivileged communities,” stated a joint release from the Heritage Group and KGC on January 15.

The Heritage Group, a diversified Cambodian business conglomerate, is committed to fostering innovative and sustainable ventures that contribute to the nation’s economic and environmental development.

“Charcoal has long been a part of Cambodian cooking culture. Through KGC’s innovative approach, it can now be produced sustainably without harming the environment,” the statement noted.

KGC’s contribution to Cambodia’s business community was recently recognized with an honor at the Khmer Enterprise Awards 2024. The Heritage Group plans to leverage this momentum by increasing KGC’s production capacity and expanding its market reach locally and internationally.

“At Heritage Group, we believe innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. Our investment in KGC reflects this commitment, and we are excited to support its growth as a model for responsible business in Cambodia,” said Heritage Group Chairman Chan Sokheang.

The collaboration also paves the way for advancements in KGC’s operations, with plans to invest in new technologies to meet growing demand and strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets.

“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for KGC. Heritage Group’s vision and expertise bring immense value, paving the way for a bright future,” said KGC Founder Carlo Figà Talamanca.

Echoing this sentiment, Sokheang added, “This investment is more than a business transaction; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. Together, we will pave the way for a greener and more prosperous Cambodia.”

With this acquisition, the Heritage Group is poised to lead KGC into its next phase of growth, setting a benchmark for sustainable and responsible business practices in Cambodia.

Source: Phnom Penh Post

On the afternoon of December 17, 2024, His Excellency Tho Jetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, welcomed Ms. Tania Meyer, Country Manager for the World Bank (WB) in Cambodia, and her delegation during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s office. The meeting focused on discussing development priorities, addressing challenges, and reinforcing collaboration on water resources and meteorology projects in Cambodia.

H.E. Tho Jetha expressed his gratitude for the World Bank’s significant support for Cambodia’s development, particularly through the Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project (CaWSIP) and the Cambodia Agricultural Sector Diversification Project (CASDP). He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the World Bank to advance the nation’s water resource and meteorology sectors.

The Minister highlighted that under the Royal Government’s 7th National Assembly, water has been designated as one of the five key priority sectors alongside people, roads, electricity, and technology. He emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance water security and mitigate the impacts of climate change by building infrastructure and fostering development within the water and meteorology sectors.

Despite these efforts, H.E. Tho Jetha acknowledged that the sector continues to face significant challenges, including:

• Limited water resource management infrastructure.
• Insufficient institutional capacity at national and sub-national levels.
• Impacts of natural disasters such as floods and droughts.
• Vulnerabilities of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River basins to climate change.

To address these challenges, the Minister called on the World Bank to continue its support through four key initiatives:

1. Implementing the Water Resources and Irrigation Sector Development Policy (DPO).
2. Tackling challenges in the Tonle Sap and Mekong River basins via the Water Security and Resilience Strategy (PASA).
3. Advancing the Cambodia Water Security Improvement Project (CaWSIP).
4. Providing technical assistance and capacity building for civil servants within the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology.

Ms. Tania Meyer commended the Ministry’s dedication and the longstanding cooperation with the World Bank. She reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with the Cambodian government. Ms. Meyer emphasized the importance of effective water resource management, irrigation systems, and regional water supply systems in promoting economic growth and enhancing resilience to climate change.

This meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the World Bank to overcome challenges and implement sustainable solutions for water resource and meteorology development.

Source: AKP

Angkor Plywood’s Official Response: Addressing Allegations of Illegal Timber Trade

Angkor Plywood, a Cambodian enterprise dedicated to sustainable timber production, takes pride in its contributions to the country’s economy and responsible forestry management. Recent allegations made by Mongabay, an environmental news platform, accuse us of illegal logging and international timber smuggling, particularly to Vietnam and China. These claims are baseless, and we reject them unequivocally. This response from the communication team aims to clarify the operations, address each accusation, and question Mongabay’s motives and credibility.

Understanding Angkor Plywood’s Operations

Since its founding in 2011, Angkor Plywood has adhered to the highest standards of legal compliance and sustainable forestry. Our mission is to develop the timber industry responsibly, in line with Cambodia’s laws and international best practices. The company’s operations focus on managing legal concessions granted by the Cambodian government, not on exploiting protected areas.

Legal Framework:
Angkor Plywood operates under the Cambodian Forestry Law, which governs all logging, processing, and exporting activities. This law outlines strict guidelines for forest concessions, sustainable logging quotas, and timber trade, ensuring environmental preservation. Our operations are regularly audited by local and international agencies, confirming our compliance with legal requirements.

Sustainability Efforts:
As a company committed to environmental stewardship, Angkor Plywood actively invests in reforestation and conservation initiatives to promote forest regeneration. We grow timber on over 15,000 hectares of land, with plans for expansion to further support sustainable forestry. We work with local communities by creating jobs, ensuring timber harvesting is conducted responsibly, and respecting biodiversity and land use regulations.

Debunking Allegations of Illegal Logging and Exports

The Mongabay article accuses Angkor Plywood of illegal logging of rare tree species from protected areas like Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and of laundering timber through associated companies for export. We categorically deny these claims. Below is our response to the major allegations:

a. Illegal Logging in Protected Areas

• Legal Concessions: Angkor Plywood harvests timber solely from legally designated concessions approved by the Cambodian government, not from protected zones like Prey Lang.
• Rare Tree Species: The accusation of clearing rare species like Sralau (Lagerstroemia calyculata) and Chhlik (Terminalia alata) is false. We adhere strictly to restrictions on harvesting these species, and our processes confirm that no such timber is processed or traded by Angkor Plywood.
• Lack of Credible Evidence: Mongabay’s “evidence,” based on anonymous sources and undocumented testimonies, lacks credibility and substantiation. We challenge Mongabay to present verifiable proof of illegal activities.

b. Illegal Timber Laundering and Exporting

• Transparent Exports: Our exports comply with Cambodian export regulations, with documents vetted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and customs authorities. Every shipment has legal export permits, and we have never shipped Grade 1 species, contrary to Mongabay’s claims.
• Compliance with Trade Laws: We partner with reputable firms across borders and strictly follow international trade laws. The insinuation of being part of a “timber cartel” is defamatory and unsupported by facts. We demand a retraction of such claims.

Angkor Plywood stands firm in its commitment to lawful timber trade and sustainable forestry. We reject baseless allegations and invite constructive dialogue to build a transparent and thriving sustainable timber industry that benefits both Cambodia’s economy and its environment.”

Concerns About Mongabay’s Reporting and Potential Bias

While Mongabay positions itself as an environmental watchdog, its reporting often lacks accuracy and impartiality. The latest article on Angkor Plywood follows a similar pattern of biased and sensationalist coverage:

a. Lack of Balance and Verification

• No Fair Response: Mongabay did not offer Angkor Plywood an adequate opportunity to respond before publication, undermining journalistic standards of fairness and balance.
• Anonymous Sources: The report’s reliance on anonymous sources raises questions about its credibility. Given the complexity of the timber industry, accusations should be supported by documented evidence, not unverified statements.
• Selective Reporting: Mongabay often portrays Cambodian timber companies as villains while ignoring broader issues like international demand driving illegal logging. This selective focus suggests an agenda beyond environmental protection.

b. Intent to Degrade Cambodia’s Image

• Undermining Progress: Angkor Plywood believes that Mongabay’s reporting aims to degrade Cambodia’s international image. By selectively targeting Cambodian companies, it overlooks the country’s progress in sustainable development.
• Complex Challenges: Like many developing nations, Cambodia faces challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Angkor Plywood strives to contribute to both, adhering to sustainability norms.

Angkor Plywood’s Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability

Angkor Plywood remains committed to sustainable forestry and legal operations. We welcome third-party audits and encourage government inspections of our facilities, logging sites, and export procedures.

a. Reforestation and Community Development

• Active Reforestation: We have planted over 1,50,00,000 trees in the past five years, ensuring long-term sustainability of the timber industry.
• Community Engagement: Angkor Plywood employs hundreds of local workers, most of whom are women, providing training and fair wages. The company also runs a clinic to support villagers and has built a school for the local community. Plans are underway to build a hospital to further improve healthcare access.

b. Leadership Commitment

• Mr. Lu Chu Chang’s Vision: Mr. Lu Chu Chang, the owner of Angkor Plywood and Think Biotech, has been a driving force behind the company’s sustainable initiatives. He is dedicated to the socio-economic development of local communities, actively employing locals, particularly women. His initiatives include building healthcare facilities and supporting educational infrastructure, demonstrating his commitment to community well-being.
• Adherence to International Standards: Beyond complying with Cambodian laws, Angkor Plywood aligns its operations with international standards such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) criteria. We are in the process of obtaining FSC certification, further validating our commitment to sustainable timber management.

The Need for Accurate Reporting and Constructive Dialogue

The allegations made by Mongabay are not only false but also damaging to Cambodia’s developing timber industry and to Angkor Plywood’s reputation. We are considering legal options to address the defamatory content of Mongabay’s article. Meanwhile, we urge media outlets to engage in responsible journalism that prioritizes truth, accuracy, and fairness.

Appeal for Constructive Engagement

• Constructive Dialogue: Angkor Plywood invites Mongabay and other environmental organizations to engage in constructive dialogue rather than relying on sensationalist reporting. We believe that collaboration, not confrontation, is the key to addressing challenges in deforestation and sustainable timber production.
• International Support: We also call on international stakeholders to support Cambodia’s legal and sustainable timber trade efforts. By focusing on economic development and environmental conservation, we can create a sustainable future for the country’s forestry sector.

Angkor Plywood reaffirms its dedication to lawful, transparent, and sustainable operations. We ask the public to reserve judgment until accurate, verified information is available. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to preserve Cambodia’s forests while fostering economic growth for the nation and its people.