Community Forestry Land Tenure in Kratie: the obstacle marathon of Veal Kansaeng CF
The Veal Kansaeng Community Forestry, located in Veal Kansaeng Village, Kampong Damrey Commune, Chhlong District, Kratie Province, was established in 2001 through the initiative of local residents with support from village and commune authorities. The community comprises around 200 households with a total population of approximately 290 people.
Building a Strong Community Foundation
With support from organizations such as CED and other NGOs in collaboration with the Forestry Administration and local authorities, the community followed an 11-step process to formalize its management structure. Key milestones included raising awareness among members, fostering trust and participation, electing a five-year term management committee through democratic elections, and preparing legal documentation. In 2017, the community signed a formal agreement recognizing its rights to manage the forest.
Between 2017 and 2024, WWF, RECOFT and ITTO provided financial and material support, enhancing the committee’s capacity, supporting community patrols and supporting sustainable livelihoods through CF- Credit, Mini-Trust Fund and agroforestry training.
In July 2024, FLO took over the support, continuing to provide funding for patrolling, capacity building, additional boundary demarcations, informational billboards, and strengthening financial management of the Community Forestry Credit and Mini-Trust Fund. FLO also started developing and implementing the CF management plan.
Achieving Legal Land Recognition
With technical support from relevant institutions and NGOs, the community undertook a multi-phase process to secure legal recognition of its land:
- Phase 1: Initial boundary demarcation covering 1,774 hectares.
- Phase 2: Review and adjustment of land disputes, reducing the proposed area to 1,624 hectares.
- Phase 3: Formal application for land registration through the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC).
In 2019, the Veal Kansaeng Community Forestry was one of 35 communities in Kratie province applying for official land registration. By early 2025, it became one of only 2 Community Forestry in the province to secure a land title, officially recognized at 1,618.62 hectares.
This success did not come without challenges. The community had initially sought recognition for 1,774 hectares, but due to illegal encroachments and fraudulent land claims, some land was lost. Many administrative setbacks and delays had to be faced. Despite these obstacles, securing this legal title represents a historic achievement for the community, ensuring long-term protection of the forest for future generations.
The original legal document is now safeguarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). . This victory stands as an inspiring example of resilience and commitment in securing land rights and preserving natural resources for sustainable livelihoods.
