Phnom Penh: Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), a crucial project explores the vital role of forest plants in the diet and health of Cambodians, particularly indigenous communities, while examining potential threats posed by agricultural chemicals.

Our local research partner from the Royal University of Agriculture, in collaboration with Veun Sai rangers of the National Virakchey National Park of the Ministry of Environment, has conducted field research to Vern Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Ratanakiri province to gather information related to the forest plants.

Mr. Chert Tom, a ranger of Kavet ethnic group member with over 20 years of experience, shared his family's reliance on forest plants for food, medicine, and income. He said, "Whenever seeing the forest, I always think of my father. The forest is like my heart."

This initiative, part of the ACIAR/IDRC Research Program on One Health (AIRPOH), aims to gather data on key forest plants' nutritional and medicinal properties to inform government and stakeholders for better protection of people and forests in Cambodia.