Constructing dams in Cambodia raises concerns about the country's dedication to REDD+ initiatives.

Headline: Questions Arise Over Cambodia's Commitment to Forest Preservation and Carbon Offsetting Efforts

In Cambodia, concerns are being raised about the government's dedication to forest preservation and carbon offsetting initiatives, as the construction of new hydropower dams threatens the future of several REDD+ projects.

Paragraph 1 REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects have been a significant part of Cambodia's approach to combating climate change. Eight out of the 20 known REDD+ projects aim to generate carbon credit sales from forests, with the Southern Cardamom REDD+ and Samkos REDD+ projects being notable examples. However, the ongoing construction of five new hydropower dams with reservoirs, collectively spanning 15,000 hectares, poses a significant threat to these projects.

Paragraph 2 The new dams, slated to be built in Battambang, Koh Kong, and Pursat provinces, will result in the loss of 5,200 hectares of forests currently being used for the Southern Cardamom REDD+ and Samkos REDD+ carbon credit projects. This loss could undermine the efforts made by these projects to reduce carbon emissions and preserve forests. Construction has yet to begin on the new dams, but the threat is already causing concern.

Paragraph 3 The Keo Seima REDD+ project in Mondulkiri has also come under fire for failing to secure the land tenure of Indigenous communities, while the Tumring REDD+ project in Kampong Thom province faced similar challenges. In addition, illegal logging persists despite a government ban in an area earmarked for the Samkos REDD+ project, overlapping with roughly 1,600 hectares of the project.

Paragraph 4 The sale of carbon credits from the Southern Cardamom REDD+ project has done little to dissuade the government from developing hydropower dams inside the project area's protected forest. This raises questions about the effectiveness of REDD+ projects as a tool for forest preservation.

Paragraph 5 The conflicts with the government and Chinese dam developer Sinohydro resulted in the deportation of Mother Nature's founder, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, in 2015. The government's approval of these dams, despite these conflicts and the ongoing issues with REDD+ projects, raises further questions about its commitment to forest preservation.

Paragraph 6 Remaining forest cover in Cambodia hovers around 40% of the total land area, with primary forest vanishing at an alarming rate. The Cambodian government hasn't released official forest cover figures since 2018, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the state of the country's forests.

Paragraph 7 REDD+ projects are being touted as an instrument in the climate toolbox for developing countries. However, the ongoing challenges facing REDD+ projects in Cambodia, coupled with the construction of new dams, suggest that more needs to be done to ensure the preservation of the country's forests and the success of its carbon offsetting efforts.

Paragraph 8 Suwanna Gauntlett, director of Wildlife Alliance, has stated that the construction of these dams and roads will cause significant forest loss. The Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Alliance, however, has labeled a documentary on issues facing Cambodian REDD+ projects as false, although neither listed any factual inaccuracies or errors.

Conclusion As Cambodia navigates the challenges of climate change, the future of its forests and REDD+ projects hangs in the balance. The construction of new hydropower dams threatens to undo the progress made by REDD+ projects, while ongoing issues with illegal logging and the government's commitment to forest preservation remain concerns. It is crucial that steps are taken to address these challenges and ensure the preservation of Cambodia's forests for future generations.

Constructing dams in Cambodia raises concerns about the country's dedication to REDD+ initiatives.