Plantation of D. cochinchinensis established to restore and conserve this species in the Preah Vihear Temple Protected Landscape

Since the timber harvesting system used in ELCs and SLCs involves clear cutting with no associations with either logging rotations or cycles or annual allowable cuts because the forestlands in these concessions will be converted either into intensive agricultural or residential land, the impacts on the harvested populations were considered to be high. After 2016 the volume of the trade of processed forest products and by-products originating in the concessions seemed to substantially decrease in parallel with declines in the target timber species, reflecting the increasingly limited availability of wood resources which caused to a considerable extent by (i) illegal selective logging during the transition of the forestland management system; and (ii) a limited number of Protected Area rangers and foresters available to conduct patrolling more extensively. Despite the shortcomings, the distribution of tree seedlings of these species could conceivably recover their genetic conservation through artificial propagation. This means that management measures should have, at a minimum, the appropriate level of rigor required to reduce the severity of the identified concerns, risks and impacts, and should be implemented effectively. It is recommended that the genetic conservation of the two Dalbergia species should be further concentrated through restoration, planting, and the maintenance of the natural populations.

The principal beneficiaries of the project will include (i) local communities, small- and medium-scale farmers, landowners, and private sector companies that participated in the project; and (ii) forest resource and land use management practitioners and planners who are involved in managing and conserving the two Dalbergia species.

Country name: Cambodia

Project title: Integrating the Development of Guidelines and Incentives for Piloting the Establishment of Small-scale Private Dalbergia Plantations with the Determination of a Non-detriment Findings Report in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia

Project duration:18 months

Implementing agency: The Department of Forest Plantations and Private Forest Development and the Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity of Forestry Administration

Related publications:Assessment Report On the Conservation Status, Management Practices, and Harvest Monitoring of Dalbergia cochinchinensis and Dalbergia oliveri in the Choam Ksant District, Preah Vihear Province

Authors of the news item: Mr. Say Sinly, Mr. Chheang Dany, and the Project Team.

Contact for further information: saysinlyrua@gmail.com; wpo@online.com.kh

The distribution of tree seedlings of D. cochinchinensis to monks and local communities by the project team of the CITES Tree Species Programme