Background
The Ministry of Environment administers Cambodia’s national protected-area system and facilitates community-based conservation projects in coordination with local authorities. Planting fast-growing biomass such as giant grass is used as an alternative fuel source to substitute woodfuel and provide local communities with additional income.
On 19 June 2026 the ministry designated a community in the protected-area zone of Pouthisat province as the first pilot site for giant-grass planting, with Minister Dr. Eang Sophalet presiding over a planting ceremony attended by provincial officials, security forces, local authorities, students and residents. The pilot links restoration activities with community livelihood measures and is presented alongside the ministry’s ongoing seedling-distribution campaign, referred to in Khmer as “ពន្លកបៃតង”.
Key Developments
The ministry announced the selection of a community in Pouthisat province as the initial demonstration site for large-scale planting of giant grass meant for fuel and other uses. Ministry statements describe the event as including high-level participation from provincial leadership and local stakeholders and as part of broader efforts to expand green cover and alternative energy sources.
Institutional Role
Ministry communications state that the Environment Ministry will coordinate with subnational administrations, protected-area rangers and relevant authorities to support the pilot. The ministry is also reported to be strengthening cooperation with enforcement agencies, delivering technical training to park staff, and providing equipment to community participants to implement the planting and monitor natural-resource infractions.
Operational Implications
The pilot is described as intended to provide households and local enterprises with an alternative combustible biomass that can be used for cooking and energy, while generating supplemental income for community members. The ministry frames the measure as a practical component of local land-use management aimed at reducing direct extraction from natural forests and creating livelihood options linked to protected-area stewardship.
