The sturdy tour was held on 5th-6th March 2009 to visit the Kampong Samaki Forestry Community in Kampot Province. 42 participants; including 12 women participated, they were from 9 PANs; BAN-Work, NAND, CACA, NAN-SR, NACN, NSNS, PNN, SNAN, AT in Kandal Province, 4 COs; CSDA, AARR, APCA, KADRA, 5 CCs representatives; 3 of them were from the affected of land and forestry communities, 4 Community representatives; 3 of them were affected communities: Teng Moa Land Community, Bonsaycheng Forestry Community and Ream Forestry Community.

The study tour found that most conflicts which occurred in the community were about the use of illegal fishing tools, and forest land disputes with powerful individuals. Through the above issues, participants have learned and gained a wealth of experience on good, successful strategies in how to resolve conflicts. These methods have included; improving communication with local authorities and relevant institutions, implementing advocacy campaigns aimed at the provincial governor to resolve deforestation issues, and finally distributing campaign information via VOA, RFA, Cambodia TV and newspapers. More importantly the community understands and has learnt how to create a request letter of acknowledgement from the Royal proclamation or sub degree.

The participants were developed the action plan for their own advocacy work as following:

• Strengthening the cooperation with local authorities
• Presenting and sharing advocacy strategies to their communities
• Conserving the natural resources.
• Strengthen solidarity and encourage communities to participate in solving their problem.   

After the sturdy tour:

• The cooperation between the local authorities and the communities were better.
• Fully participated and better attitude of some commune council members who were less participation in cooperation with community advocacy activities.
• The communities get better benefit from natural resources conservation.   

Contact:
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Ms. Nou Bunnary, Advocacy Capacity Building Program Manager, ACP
Ms. Chea Cheysovanna,Trainer/Network Facilitator/SA Coordinator
Ms. Koe Sokhim, Trainer/Network Facilitator
Ms. Komol Sovila, Trainer/Network Facilitator
Mr. Heng Hak, Trainer/Network Facilitator
Mr. Sok Sophal, Trainer/Network Facilitator
Mr. Am Map, Trainer/Network Facilitator
Mr. Hok Phalla, Lawyer

Mr. Tum Sim, Service&Database Officer.

Email:
star-acp@starkampuchea.org.kh

Tel: (855)23-211-612
Fax: (855)23-211-812