Cambodia to Officially Register Indigenous Sacred and Burial Sites for Traditional and Tourism Purposes

Pursat Province, Cambodia – Indigenous communities of the Chong and Por ethnic groups residing in Tades village, Samrong commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province, are strongly advocating for the official registration of their sacred forests and burial grounds under collective community ownership. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards preserving their traditional culture, beliefs, and customs for future generations. The official recognition of these lands will solidify their status as community property, enabling continued use for traditional rituals and spiritual practices, and potentially developing them as future tourism attractions. Mr. Sarou Vuth, President of the Samrong Community Partnership, stated that his community comprises over 270 families, including Chong, Por, and Khmer ethnic groups. Among them, the Por ethnic group consists of 30 families, and the indigenous Chong group has 35 families, with the remainder being Khmer. According to Mr. Vuth, a segment of the indigenous Chong and Por people continue to adhere to their traditional livelihoods, relying on forest products such as wild yams, roots, and forest fruits for both subsistence and sale. In their effort to preserve their traditions, the community is requesting the official registration of a sacred forest area known as "Arak Forest," spanning 24 hectares, and another plot of land used as a burial ground, covering 4 hectares. They believe that clearly defining and registering these areas will help protect the identity of the indigenous peoples, enhance their appeal as tourist destinations, and prevent encroachment and illegal exploitation of natural resources. Mr. San Saroeun, the village chief of Tades, emphasized that both the "Arak Forest" and the burial grounds are ancient sites of the indigenous Por and Chong peoples. Their traditional practices encompass both the tangible and intangible aspects, including spiritual reverence, prayers, and offerings. The tangible aspect refers to the specific locations or areas designated for worship according to their beliefs. Mr. Touch Sophany, Community Development Project Manager at Wildlife Alliance, informed that their organization's Royal Bouk Samkose Project focuses on 27 communities across Pursat and Battambang provinces. For Tades village specifically, Wildlife Alliance is assisting the community in securing their rights to use and venerate these ancestral lands, which have been objects of their faith for centuries. Mr. Sophany mentioned that the draft registration includes the "Arak Forest" of 24 hectares and the burial grounds of 4 hectares. The desire for official registration stems from the community's need to access and utilize these lands in accordance with their ancestral traditions. Mr. Khvay Adithya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, stated that the Samrong Community Partnership area in Tades village, Pursat province, also possesses "Arak Forest" and burial grounds that are part of the traditional customs of the indigenous Chong and Por peoples. These areas serve as sites of worship and are integral to their ancestral heritage. Furthermore, these areas hold significant potential as tourism destinations. The Ministry is committed to working towards the clear demarcation of these areas to benefit the local communities and anticipates that they will contribute to both community welfare and the national economy. By: Makara