Land ownership and fair access to natural resources are vital to Cambodia's continued development. However, it can be difficult for vulnerable members of society, including smallholders, the land-poor, women and indigenous people, to make their voices heard when disputes arise over control of land and natural resources.
That is why Oxfam, with support from the European Union, launched a three-year project in 2013 focused on strengthening land and natural resource governance in Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Kratie and Stung Treng provinces.
The project established a platform for rights holders in rural communities to engage with duty-bearers within local and provincial authorities, helping stakeholders strengthen dispute resolution capacity and empowering them to claim their rights.
Through the project, Oxfam has helped more than 150,000 Cambodians participate in governing the country's land, forests and fisheries.
As the project draws to a close, the challenge now is to continue the support for communities and local authorities as they work together in the years to come.