by Eam Orn, a farmer in northwest Cambodia, kneels in a forest and prays for the return of his land. He is just one of the many victims of economic land concessions (ELCs) in the country, which have been blamed for deforestation and displacements. Between 2001 and 2015, a third of Cambodia’s primary forests were cleared, making it one of the fastest rates of tree cover loss in the world. Although the government imposed a moratorium on ELCs in 2012, a new grant has raised fears that the ban may be lifted.
Orn, from the ethnic Kuy community, has lost eight hectares of land when it was granted to subsidiaries of China’s Hengfu Group in 2011. The sugar processing facility that was supposed to provide employment for thousands now stands abandoned and silent. The lack of transparency surrounding ELCs makes it difficult to determine the exact scale of the problem. However, human rights group LICADHO has identified at least 313 concessions covering more than 2.2 million hectares of land.
ELCs have not only led to deforestation but have also triggered numerous land disputes. Large-scale landgrabbing has been a significant issue in Cambodia since the Khmer Rouge regime destroyed most land records in the 1970s. While the 2001 law offered a path to ownership, the complex process has left many villagers vulnerable to further grabs. Families like Orn’s have experienced a decline in their livelihoods and income, forcing them to take out loans for basic needs.
Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen initially championed ELCs as a means of promoting economic development in the country. However, faced with escalating land conflicts and the threat of a farmers’ revolution, he announced the ELC moratorium in 2012. The government pledged to seize land from firms that cleared trees for profit or failed to develop their plots. Despite this, little has changed in areas like Praeus K’ak, where villagers are still uncertain about the future of their land.
The fear of losing their farmland has forced many villagers to farm with caution, as they have no knowledge of whether the government will reclaim the land. In some cases, land has already been seized for other purposes, and villagers have reported intimidation and arrests of those who challenge the concessions. According to Licadho, new land grants have been identified, including within Botum Sakor National Park, raising concerns about the continuation of ELC-like practices.
The issue of land concessions in Cambodia is a complex one, with significant implications for the environment and the well-being of local communities. The government’s moratorium on ELCs was a step in the right direction, but the recent grant has reignited fears. It is crucial for the government to address these concerns and ensure that the rights of affected communities are protected.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
