Cambodia Strengthens Forest Community Governance, Launches 'Friendship Village' for Sustainable Development

A seminar on 'Strengthening Governance of the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community' was held and the opening of the 'Friendship Village,' a mixed agriculture and tourism area within the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community, was announced in Romeas Haek District, Svay Rieng Province, on September 19, 2026. The closing ceremony was presided over by H.E. Sok Sokhan, Minister of Inspection and Vice-Chair of the Government Working Group for Svay Rieng Province, and Madam Chom Krasna. H.E. Sok Sokhan, Minister of Inspection and Chair of the Government Working Group for Romeas Haek District, along with Madam Chom Krasna, presided over the closing ceremony of the seminar on 'Strengthening Governance of the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community' and announced the launch of the 'Friendship Village,' a mixed agriculture and tourism area of the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community. The event was attended by leaders and members of the government working group for the district, district council, district administration, civil servants, youth from the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, scouts, and community members. H.E. the Minister emphasized the importance of the seminar as another step forward in connecting natural resource conservation, strengthening governance, and developing the local economy, moving from discussion to practical implementation. Concurrently, H.E. the Minister officially launched the mixed agriculture and tourism area of the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community, named 'Friendship Village,' symbolizing solidarity, participation, trust, and the collective effort to build a sustainable community. Furthermore, H.E. the Minister recalled the history of the Trapeang Pikhar Forest Community site in Ambel Commune, both socially, culturally, and naturally. This area is the birthplace of a high-ranking political figure, the late Samdech Akka Moha Thomaporithip Chea Sim, former President of the Cambodian People's Party. He also reiterated the vision and leadership legacy of Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Sok An, who always placed high value on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, closely linking it with education, economic development, and community participation. H.E. the Minister also expressed his profound gratitude to Madam Chom Krasna, President of Soma Initiative (Soma Group) and its affiliates, for their initiative and continuous active support for community development. He also commended the Community Management Committee, local authorities, the government working group, partner organizations, youth, and all community members for dedicating their physical and mental efforts to organize the seminar and contribute to various community achievements, resulting in remarkable success. In conclusion, the Minister provided several key recommendations to the community committee, including strengthening cooperation with stakeholders, prioritizing action plans, maintaining solidarity, reinforcing internal governance, and implementing work in compliance with laws and regulations. He also urged them to jointly preserve and manage community assets sustainably for future generations. Information Source: CPP Cambodia