Natural Resource Restoration for Income Generation and Sustainable Biodiversity Based on case study entitled : “Natural Resource Restoration for Income Generation and Sustainable Biodiversity in Mondulkiri, Cambodia” Authored by : Dr. Lalita Siriwattananon, from RCE Greater Phnom Penh, Bunthan Ngo, from Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Machito Mihara, from Institute of Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan Presented by : Dr. Lalita Siriwattananon, at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Cambodian national economy, engaging more than 70 per cent of the total population. Rapid development of agricultural technologies depending on agricultural chemicals such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicide or pesticide has significantly increased agricultural production since 1990. However, intensive farming practices that heavily depend on agricultural chemicals cause adverse impacts on the natural environment and human health. The overuse of synthetic agricultural inputs damages long-term soil fertility and productivity of farmlands. Released from farmlands downstream, these chemicals degrade river systems and water quality. As a result, there has been a greater need for education for sustainable development (ESD) in the agricultural sector to ensure food safety and environmental conservation in Cambodia. Part of the efforts to promote ESD in Cambodia includes the establishment of RCE Greater Phnom Penh (RCE GPP) in December 2009. RCE GPP builds public awareness and strengthens the importance of harmonizing agricultural development and the conservation of the natural environment. Stakeholder organizations include the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and Institute of Environment Conservation and Rehabilitation, Cambodia Branch (ERECON CaM), which works as coordinator of RCE GPP in the Secretariat Committee; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); Ministry of Rural Development (MRD); Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS); Ministry of Environment (MOE); and elementary schools and local organizations in target areas. In addition, Tokyo University of Agriculture (TUA), Institute of Environment Conservation and Rehabilitation (ERECON), and Association of Environmental and Rural Development (AERD) are part of the external advisory panel of RCE GPP. In some areas of Cambodia, deforestation has advanced since the 1970s due to the expansion of agricultural lands under the Pol Pot regime. This resulted in severe flooding or drought downstream, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. These factors have strengthened the need to promote the restoration and conservation of the environment as well as the sustainable use and management of natural resources. Collaboration RCE GPP and ERECON have been collaborating with the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia and the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies for three years (2011-2013) through the project entitled “Natural Resource Restoration for Income Generation and Sustainable Biodiversity in Mondulkiri, Cambodia”. The project focuses on environment restoration for income generation and sustainable biodiversity and has been implemented in two villages, namely Poutrom Mouy and Poutrom Pi in Mondulkiri province. The main occupation of villagers is agriculture with slash and burn practices. Forests have thus been cleared for agricultural purposes and timber. The main source of income comes from non-timber forest products, especially gum and resin from Dipterocarpus trees and wild honey. For many years, the local environment has been used extensively by local people without understanding the effects of deforestation on the environment and human wellbeing. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 23
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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