In 2001, the Buddhist monk Venerable Bun Saluth initiated the protection of an 18,261-hectare stretch of evergreen forest in northwest Cambodia, now referred to as the Monks Community Forest (MCF) in response to widespread deforestation. The monks of Samraong Pagoda acquired legal protection of the forest, established patrol teams, demarcated the forest’s boundaries, and raised environmental awareness among local communities. The monks developed unique approaches to law enforcement based on Buddhist principles, demonstrating the power of linking conservation with traditional customs and beliefs. Over 3,700 people, mostly poor and landless farmers, from six villages participate in and benefit from MCF Activities. With national goals to expand existing community forestry to more than 2 million hectares from the current 113,000 hectares, this MCF project – a winner of the 2012 Equator Prize – sets a critical precedent in demonstrating that communities can successfully manage larger high-value forest areas.
Author: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Published: Select Date 2012
Language(s): English
Content Type(s): Text
Region(s): Asia
Link: https://www.equatorinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/case_1348163303.pdf