A central Cardamom REDD+ project working group installed 10 complaint drop-boxes at key locations in Koh Kong province’s Thma Bang district to resolve disputes over activities related to the implementation of REDD+.

The installation of the boxes came after Conservation International (CI) determined that all of its projects must comply with its safety protection systems. This means they will improve conservation outcomes for humans and nature, as well as identify risks or reduce their impact.

Chhoeng Soviriya, a CI official in charge of coordinating community involvement and security of the Central Cardamom REDD+ project, told The Post more about the drop boxes.

“Currently, we have installed 10 in Pralay, Chumnap and Thma Donpov communes of Thmar Bang district. We have also explained the function of the boxes to our stakeholders,” he said.

Soviriya added that more boxes would be installed across Koh Kong and in other provinces in the future.

“We want to focus on the concerns of the people in the area and those involved in the project. They must have the right to complain so we resolve any issues,” he said.

The project was launched in 2021 and will run for a period of 30 years. It covers three provinces: Koh Kong, Kampong Speu and Pursat.

The project aims to conserve natural resources by enforcing the law, patrolling the forest and assisting the livelihoods of the community through the proceeds of the sale of carbon credits from the project, according to Soviriya.

“The REDD+ project is possible only with the consent of 50 per cent or more of the people in each target commune. Without their consent, the REDD+ project cannot be implemented,” he said.