Over the past thirty years, most of
Sub-Saharan Africa has seen rapid population growth, poor
agricultural performance, and increasing environmental
degradation. Why do these problems seem so intractable? Are
they connected? Do they reinforce each other? If so, what
are the critical links? This book tests the hypothesis that
these phenomena are strongly interrelated. The finding -
that this nexus is very much at work in Sub-Saharan Africa -

This Strategy Note sets out a framework
for World Bank involvement in the environment sector in the
immediate to medium term. It elaborates upon and reinforces
the environmental objectives specified in Thailand's
Eighth National Economic and Social Development Plan
(1997-2001) and the World Bank's Country Assistance
Strategy for 1998. This report is organized in six sections.
Section 1 provides a brief introduction to the changing

As indigenous peoples continue to gain more space in the UN system, the real challenge is ensuring the full recognition, respect, protection and exercise of their rights at all levels—and especially at the grassroots level. The UN system therefore needs to put into action its commitment in making the UN a “home” for indigenous peoples.

In the Mekong region, conflicts between local communities and large scale land concessions are widespread. They are often difficult to solve. In Cambodia, an innovative approach to conflict resolution was tested in a case involving a private company, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), and several indigenous communities who lost some of their customary lands and forests when the company obtained a concession to grow rubber in the Province of Ratanakiri. The approach was developed by CSOs Equitable Cambodia (EC) and Inclusive Development International (IDI) with the support of QDF funding from MRLG.

Khampa talks about the various designated types of forest near his village.

Mon describes their traditional ceremonies for the forest.

Amphone talks about using the land to grow his crops

 

Amphan describes how everything comes from the forest.

A fascinating and educational journey of a Laotian who was instrumental in developing the first Lao language "Village Rights" guidebook on land and natural resources.

Chouvanh's views on being productive with the land.

Malee's views on the importance of protecting the land.

VFI has been working in Cambodia for 7 years now. Our ECOSORN Project aims to provide water supply and sanitation facilities, and to improve sustainability by introducing appropriate technologies for villagers. 



We operate this project in 3 provinces, 14 districts, 36 communes, 78 villages in the most remote parts of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap Provinces. Our project goal is to build 6,000 latrines; 110 water wells; 1,000 water storage jars; and 5 large ponds