Enviro News Asia, Cambodia – The Ministry of Environment of Cambodia is advancing the Giant King Grass plantation project aimed at reducing natural forest logging by providing an alternative fuel source and improving community livelihoods in protected areas.
Dr. Eang Sophalet, Minister of Environment, emphasized the importance of this initiative during a meeting on August 29, 2025, with Adam Henson, Director of Conservation at Wild Earth Allies, held at the Ministry headquarters.
The Giant King Grass plantation addresses local residents’ needs for cooking fuel by offering grass as an alternative to traditional firewood, reducing the pressure on natural forests.
Minister Sophalet highlighted that the grass not only serves as fuel but also contributes to expanding green coverage across Cambodia, complementing the ministry’s “Green Canopy” campaign which annually distributes and cultivates over one million tree saplings nationwide.
The Cambodian government prioritizes improving the livelihoods of grassroots communities through sustainable local development to increase income and simultaneously aid forest conservation.
Minister Sophalet explained that communities living near protected areas no longer need to enter forests to collect firewood, as growing Giant King Grass provides an additional income source for families.
The pilot project aligns with the Ministry’s environmental sector strategy focusing on three pillars: Cleanliness, Greenness, and Sustainability.
The plantation initiative supports the second pillar by enhancing Cambodia’s green coverage, aiming to expand tree planting movements, strengthen law enforcement in protected areas, and promote community development in line with the country’s 2050 vision.
During the discussion, Adam Henson expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Environment’s proactive measures and praised ongoing efforts to manage natural resources and conserve biodiversity in Cambodia.
He affirmed Wild Earth Allies’ commitment to continue close collaboration with the Ministry to protect natural resources and sustainably improve community welfare in forest and coastal regions. (*)
