While people living in rural areas – often with subsistence livelihoods – make up the majority of Cambodians, they are not regularly heard in public debates or local/national policy-making processes. This lack of democratic power is in part because community members may not know how to raise their voices, may not have the confidence to do so, or may believe it will not make a difference. In addition, many communities still have limited access to independent media and tools to express their views (most local television channels are associated with the ruling party). Finally, communities are often limited in what they can do by local authorities and police. Additionally, despite a moratorium on new ELCs, land disputes persist and thousands of Cambodians remain at risk of losing their land and livelihoods. Many companies disregard the mandate to conduct quality Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, surpass the legally defined limits, and use violence or threats to force communities to relinquish their land. With the lack of democratic space, communities don’t have the confidence or the ability to challenge these actions.
BCV’s project will work in Kampot province, specifically in Boeung Touk commune, Toueuk chou district and 3 communes (Trapeang Pleang, Taken, and Dekchou Akpewat) in Chouk district. In Boeung Touk, companies have taken sand from community land to use for export or land development, causing loss of natural resources. In addition, community members that work for the companies are often treated unfairly, leading to further financial and other issues. In Chouk, a company named First Bio-Tech Agriculture Cambodia Co., Ltd has cut forest, burned nearly 100 houses, destroyed around a thousand hectares of community agricultural land, and unlawfully demanded money from people. These communities are left feeling powerless as a result.
