PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Environment and FAO discussed strategies for improving the livelihoods of communities in protected areas, ecosystem restoration and conservation.

Secretary of State for the Ministry of Environment Tin Ponlok met with Rebekah Bell, President of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Cambodia on 29 March 2022 to review and discuss the proposed technical and financial assistance plan organized by the FAO to develop strategies for improving the livelihoods of communities in protected areas and for the restoration and conservation of ecosystems.

This project is designed to support the economic sustainability of communities and increase efficiency in the management of protected areas.

He stressed that improving the livelihoods of communities, restoring ecosystems and responding to climate change is in line with the wishes of the Ministry of Environment.

"These strategies include home gardening, animal husbandry, agriculture, conservation, agricultural diversification, etc., in addition to the REDD + ecotourism and non-timber forest products project," he said.

Ms. Rebekah Bell said the FAO was seeking resources to support the initiative, including the creation of green financing to support private investment, with a focus on climate change-responsive rice, forest resource restoration, and more. FAO resources and other sources such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).