Cambodia’s National Election 2023: Pressure, Control and Legacy Analysis Preventing the opposition from meaningfully participating in this election has once again ensured the landslide victory for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). By Sok Leang
Root-Knot Nematode Poses Risks to Rice Productivity and Farmers’ Health in Cambodia Article Rice cultivation in the Mekong Region is often afflicted with pests and diseases leading to yield losses and livelihood impacts. This piece by Sourkea explores the impact of rice root-knot nematode (tiny, worm-like creatures found in the soil) which poses a significant threat to rice production in Cambodia. By Sorn Sourkea
Tensions between National Development and Local Needs in Cambodia: Lower Sesan II Dam Article The Lower Sesan II dam in Cambodia's Stung Treng province has resulted in inundation of seasonal wetlands, relocation and the fragmentation of local communities. Previously self-sufficient communities are struggling as they become low-income wage labor in distant cities but face mounting debts, economic insecurity, homesickness, and mental stress. Community leaders are striving to invest in education for local youth to gain a better future. By Lucy Chang and Vutha Srey
Titling Land, Fragmenting Livelihoods: Indigenous Communal Land Titling in Cambodia Article Cambodia’s Indigenous Land Titling (ICLT) is a government-led program to protect indigenous communities’ land and livelihoods. However, its internal contradictions result in the fragmentation of indigenous land management practices. By Eunbi Ko
The Risks of Microfinance: Brao Indigenous People in Cambodia Are Falling into Heavy Debt Article Microfinance credits are a highly competitive business in Cambodia, expanding their operations among ethnic communities, including the indigenous Brao villages in Ratanakiri province in the northeast region. But ethnic people are now getting heavily indebted and losing their livelihood resources, accelerating land loss and dividing the community. By Ngel Kampel
Indigenous Communal Land Titling: Still a Hundred Years to Go? Article Cambodia’s laws for preserving indigenous land were enacted over 20 years ago but are increasingly difficult to navigate and achieve official legal recognition for its indigenous peoples. But the more time passes, the more the land has become encroached upon, and the effects of this loss will be compounded. By Chhuonvuoch Koem
A Look at Energy Transition Situation in Cambodia Article In 2004, Cambodia's electricity grid was dominated by fossil fuels -primarily heavy-fuel oil and diesel; by 2013, it was completely transformed with 82% renewable sources: mostly hydropower. The government has also committed to net-zero by 2050, making this plan difficult to achieve as energy emissions keep increasing. By Sokphalkun Out
Further and Further Away"- Environment and Identity in Cambodia Interview The short film “Further and Further Away” is portraying a brother and sister who belong to the Bunong ethnic minority in Cambodia. We spoke with director Polen Ly and producer Daniel Mattes about the process of making the film, youth in Cambodia and the opportunities for independent film making in the country. By Elaine Haller
Cambodia: What Went ‘Right’ In COVID-19 Article Across the banks of the Mekong River, by the sprawling grounds by the majestic Royal Palace, Cambodians are sitting on the grass or strolling about, sipping coffee outside the cafes that line the riverfront, as motorcycles and ‘tuktuk’ zip by. Traffic on Phnom Penh’s roads is returning to pre-COVID-19 levels of congestion. Many are heading to coastal provinces to reconnect with friends and family. By Sao Phal Niseiy
Native Honey Bees of Southeast Asia and Conservation Challenges Article The disappearance of the honey bee is widely publicized, especially in Europe and North America, with colony collapse disorder observed in apiaries of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Much less interest, however, has been paid to Southeast Asian native honey bees whose fate also deserves attention. This article explores the conservation challenges of the eight native honey bee species of Southeast Asia. By Eric Guerin