Goal, Objectives and Engagement

Project Goal

Households from 5 villages in the Sangkom Thmei district Preah Vihear will become more aware about the negative effects of climate change and initiate local approaches to safeguard against these effects using sustainable practices and positive community resource management techniques.

Objectives to be achieved

• Climate change and forestry resource research conducted in five villages
• Community forums and awareness raising with 400 families on climate change and response options within the local context.
• Female and male students in 3 target area schools with increased climate and natural resource management awareness and participating in tree planting sessions.
• 5 local extensionists trained in sound tree nursery plantation management.
• At least 50 families trained and actively using proper tree growing techniques.
• 20 female and male farmers participate in exposure visits (look and learn) to commercial teak plantations.
• 25,000 teak and other legacy trees planted on at least 50 different family operated plantations.
• 1 centrally located tree nursery set up, managed sustainably, able to be used after the project has officially concluded.
• 4 extensionists trained in quality concrete ring production and water tank installation.
• 60 water storage ponds installed and protected and 75 families trained in pond management.
• 320 water tanks and guttering systems installed by families.
• 10 experimental model garden reticulation watering systems installed. 

Beneficiaries and Inclusion

This project will directly benefit at least 400 families from 5 villages of the Sdau Commune in the Sangkom district of Preah Vihear which has a total population of 2,600 persons in 560 households.  Additional community members will also benefit indirectly from this project observing the benefits of the various approaches as well as the increased economic stimulus and resources. Project staff and partners will assess the accessibility of community leaders and members and seek to promote inclusion and benefits for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in both community and school forums.  Interventions will seek community support and provide additional assistance for households who need specialized help in accessing forestry or water resources. It is expected that both direct and indirect beneficiaries will gain a deeper understanding about how the environment functions and practical ways they can preserve the environment and use natural resources in a more sustainable way.

Community and School Engagement

This project will build on previous experience and empower rural farmers to deal with issues currently facing them to be prepared for what is ahead. Climate change awareness sessions will be developed in consultation with an environmental management specialist, Dr. Ernst Kemmerer from Australia, who has committed to volunteer professionally for one to two months and comes with extensive experience in the forestry industry. Ongoing research into small scale forestry and environmental management will lead to the development of an education program appropriate to the local situation. The village forums will show challenges facing Cambodia and will engage household members in discussions about practical options to mitigate the effects of climate change and to begin adopting sustainable environmental practices including both forestry and water management. Awareness will also target female and male students from three schools serving the five elected villages. The project will conduct follow-up visits to each school and each village center every six months to continue sharing information and check on pilot school based tree planting. Various methods of sharing the information will be used ranging from participatory role-plays and drama to transect walks and landscape comparisons in order to demonstrate the negative effects of poorly managed natural resources and unsustainable practices. Results of awareness raising will lead to community action in the Forestry and Rainwater management areas, see intervention details under Forestry and Rainwater tabs.