On 23 December 2024, the 2nd Project Management Committee (PMC) Meeting for the Mekong REDD+ Project-P1 was held in a hybrid format. The meeting connected participants at the Woori Bank headquarters in Korea and the Forestry Administration (FA) in Cambodia, with key representatives from AFoCO, Woori Bank, Forestry Administration of Cambodia, and the Project Management Unit (PMU).
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Chheang Dany, Deputy Director General of the Forestry Administration, who welcomed participants and acknowledged the strong partnership with AFoCO and Woori Bank. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to achieve the project’s goals. Dr. Pham Duc Chien, Director of AFoCO’s Project and Program Division, delivered remarks on behalf of the AFoCO Secretariat, commending the progress made in 2024 and highlighting the significance of Verra registration as a key milestone in the coming year.
Progress Highlights
The meeting featured presentations on the project’s achievements in 2024, which included:
- Boundary Assessment and Demarcation: Strengthening land tenure security for 14 community forestry sites in Steung Treng Province.
- Livelihood Improvements: Supporting saving groups, promoting resin-based non-timber forest product (NTFP) enterprises, and installing solar-powered water pumps in local communities.
- Forest Protection: Enhancing law enforcement through support for patrolling activities and provision of motorbikes to the Forestry Inspection Unit.
- Capacity Building: Conducting workshops and training for community forestry committees on GPS usage, patrolling, and legal practices.
Discussions and Decisions
The meeting also addressed follow-up actions from the 1st PMC Meeting, including regular working group meetings, improved communication on online channels, and updates on budget allocation. Participants discussed the Annual Work and Budget Plan for 2025, which includes finalizing the Project Design Document (PDD) for Verra registration, further promoting community-based forest enterprises, and expanding ecotourism initiatives.
Other discussions included adjustments to the 2024 budget, updates on national contributions from Cambodia, and plans for the 3rd PMC Meeting.
Looking Ahead
As the project enters its second year, stakeholders reiterated their commitment to achieving the objectives of the Mekong REDD+ Project-P1. These include reducing deforestation, improving livelihoods, and generating carbon credits through sustainable forest management practices.
The 2nd PMC Meeting concluded successfully, laying a strong foundation for the project’s continued progress and its vision of advancing climate resilience and sustainable community development.
Submitted by YoungJu HAN
