Discussion Paper
Mapping and Tenure Security in Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities
Group of men sitting in front of a map
Photo by Mean Ratanak
Traditional lands of indigenous communities in Cambodia are under threat. National level discussions involving community, NGO and government representatives on ways to improve tenure security and speed up the recognition of indigenous communities land have included recommendations to assist them in mapping the boundaries of their claims. However, a lack of a consensus on how mapping of indigenous community lands should proceed, and how this should be recognized has hindered implementation of these recommendations. This discussion paper on Mapping and Tenure Security in Cambodia’s Indigenous Communities helps to clarify these issues by looking at results of mapping activities carried out to date. The paper concludes a map in itself is not able to significantly alter the power imbalances which indigenous communities face. Participatory mapping processes can only be part of a much wider effort to provide communities with the skills and information they need to defend their interests. However in the right circumstances the process of mapping and the existence of a map accepted by stakeholders can be a catalyst in changing attitudes within communities and amongst local authorities.

Full report (English, PDF, 45 pages, 1,3 MB)

Summary (English, PDF, 4 pages, 235 KB)