Wildlife Alliance, interior ministry continue co-op
IN A reaffirmation of its longstanding partnership, the Ministry of Interior has pledged continued support for Wildlife Alliance’s vital conservation efforts. For over two decades, the collaboration has played a crucial role in the preservation of Cambodia’s biodiversity and the welfare of its wild animals.
The organisation is poised to extend the partnership, committing to a further 30 years of dedicated environmental stewardship and collaboration.
The commitment came during a December 5 meeting between interior minister Sar Sokha and the founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance, Suwanna Gauntlett.
During the meeting, Gauntlett outlined the achievements of the organisation in the country and the success of its project implementations.
“As Wildlife Alliance, I am committed to continuing a close partnership with the Cambodian government over the next 30 years,” she stated.
Sokha expressed gratitude to the group for its efforts in collaboration with the government, focusing on biodiversity conservation, wildlife care and support for local communities.
He affirmed that the ministry would continue to support the alliance’s mission and provide support for any issues within its purview.
“I had the distinct privilege of meeting with [deputy prime minister] Sar Sokha … to discuss the critical importance of our joint multiple-year and multiple-generation journey toward current sustainable protection and conservation of the rainforest, biodiversity in the Cardamom [rain forest] and respect for the rights of indigenous people and local communities,” Gauntlett said.
In September, at a meeting between the Ministry of Environment and the alliance, the parties demonstrated their commitment to strengthening the development partnership and supporting the circular strategy of the environment ministry to more sustainably protect the ecosystem.
Wildlife Alliance, through the Reducing Emissions for Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+) project in the southern Cardamom Mountains, has assisted over 3,957 families in changing their way of life in the area.
The project has enabled these families to have access to clean drinking water, roads, bridges, schools, health centres and educational facilities, as per the organisation.