Resource Governance in Cambodia
Photo by Ratana Pen
Introduction
After decades of conflict and violence, Cambodia has entered the 21st century as a politically stable country with strong and sustained economic growth. The country’s future path towards sustainable social and economic development, however, will principally depend on present day decisions on the use and
management of its natural resource wealth.
Cambodia’s natural resource sector can only become a force for sustainable development if natural resources are managed in a way that minimizes social and environmental impacts. Benefits and costs must be shared fairly and decisions made in a transparent, accountable and participatory manner.
The Cambodia office works towards empowering local civil society actors to contribute effectively to debates on policy priorities in the governance of natural resources. Our projects include the support of a coalition of Cambodian non-governmental organizations that promote greater transparency in the management of revenues from extractive industries.
Through our partnership with the Community Based Natural Resource Management Learning Institute we support dialogue and joint learning among different stakeholders from communities, local organisations, academia and government. Our research projects aim to influence decision-making in consuming, producing and resource-providing countries to ensure that economic development and regional integration contributes to the sustainable use and management of natural resources in Cambodia and other countries of the Mekong region.
News and Publications
Group of men sitting in front of a map
Discussion Paper
Mapping and Tenure Security in Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities
Traditional lands of indigenous communities in Cambodia are under threat. This discussion paper looks at the results of mapping activities carried out to date in order to help answering the question if mapping the boundaries of their claims can improve tenure security for indigenous communities in Cambodia. By Daniel Adler, Jeremy Ironside and Mean Ratanak, 2009 more»
Event
Roundtable discussion with Nobel Price laureate in Economics Prof. Eric S. Maskin and leading Cambodian economists – January 21, 2010 - Phnom Penh. Within the framework of the 3rd ASEAN dialogue series BRIDGES – Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace, organized by the International Peace Foundation, Noble Laureate for Economics, Prof. Eric. S. Maskin, spoke on Thursday, January 21, to leading Cambodian Economists and Civil Society actors at a round table discussion hosted by the Cambodian Economic Association and the Heinrich Böll Foundation. more»
Study/Policy Brief
In Search of Aluminum: China's Role in the Mekong Region – In Search of Aluminum takes a look at developments, decision-making and regional linkages in the highly dynamic mining sectors in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam and shows how the Mekong region is becoming a strategic partner for China in terms of mineral investments. By Kate M. Lazarus, 2009 more»
Study/Policy Brief
Rethinking Investments in Natural Resources: China's Emerging Role in the Mekong Region – The scoping study has been carried out at the outset of a research project entitled Understanding China as an Actor in the Mekong Region, jointly implemented by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, WWF and the International Institute for Sustainable Development. by Jeff Rutherford, Kate Lazarus and Shawn Kelley; Edited by Ingrid Martonova; 2008 more»
Capacity Building
Info
Sharing of Knowledge
CIYA is an association of indigenous students based in Phnom Penh. CIYA has developed a strategic objective as to build capacity of indigenous communities through the sharing of knowledge and experiences, provide support for indigenous tertiary student, promote indigenous culture, language and identity more»
Info
Public Awareness – HBF is working in cooperation with Mlup Baitong to encourage transparency and broader participation in decision making related to environmental and resource politics. The environmental radio provides an opportunity to facilitate and strengthen the discussion of a large number of people on issues related to the environment and NRM. With HBF’s support, Mlup Baitong will be able to broadcast the radio program. more»