Unfortunately, illegal logging in the Cardamoms is on the rise. Afzelia xylocarpa is particularly targeted: furniture made from Beng has become a status symbol and the demand for the timber far exceeds the supply. Other threatened trees are also being illegally cut. The illegal logging is driven by rich and powerful interests to the detriment of local villagers, and stronger control measures are urgently needed to halt these activities and protect this concentration of threatened tree species.
In 2008, the Global Trees Campaign supported the Department of Nature Conservation and Protection in Cambodia in an initiative to reduce illegal logging. It worked to improve law enforcement and provide training to local people to generate income from alternative sources, such as cardamoms harvesting. The project focussed on the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, a 332,566 hectare protected area in the heart of the Cardamoms.
Outcomes
Government and Community rangers are better equipped in terms of equipment resources, training, field skills and leadership in order to combat the threats to the illegal harvesting of forest resources.
Local communities have increased awareness on issues related to illegal logging. Thanks to awareness raising Initiatives by rangers and the increasing incidence of successful prosecutions, there has been a noticeably reduced level of illegal harvesting.
Local communities have begun to develop organic farming and community forestry initiatives, increasing their options for agricultural sustainability. The overall hope is that through diversification of produce less luxury timber will be exploited from the forest.
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