Background
On 20 February 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, held a working meeting with Markus Buerli, the representative of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Cambodia. The discussion focused on project activities related to forest communities in Cambodia and ongoing cooperation between the ministry, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Scope of Application
The discussion concerns cooperation projects in the forestry and forest community sector that involve the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, legally registered civil society organizations, and development partners such as the Swiss Cooperation Office. It relates to how such projects are conceived, coordinated, and implemented in Cambodia.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, the minister welcomed project activities related to forest communities in Cambodia. He underlined that effective implementation of these activities requires respect for ownership and the building of mutual trust among all parties involved. The minister also highlighted his support for project activities carried out by legally compliant civil society organizations, under a principle of mutual respect. He stated that cooperation projects between the ministry, civil society organizations, and development partners should begin with joint engagement from the initial idea stage, before project drafting and formal implementation.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Stakeholders engaged in forestry and forest community projects with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries can expect an emphasis on early coordination and shared ownership of project design. Legally registered civil society organizations and development partners are encouraged to engage the ministry from the conceptual stage of projects, rather than only at the implementation phase. This approach indicates that future cooperation initiatives in the forest community sector will likely place importance on formal status of organizations, mutual respect, and structured collaboration with the ministry throughout the project cycle.
Official Source
The information is based on an official communication from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries dated 20 February 2023.
