The local context
The eastern plateau of Phnom Kulen National Park is inhabited, and there are several villages in the area. As the population grows, so does the impact on forest ecosystems. For many years, ADF Kulen has been setting up income-generating activities to find alternatives to the destruction of natural habitats. Handicrafts appear to be one of the potential solutions for some people.
Project objectives
Create a local craft industry, look for commercial outlets and market products under a registered trademark, pass on techniques and knowledge to the younger generations, think about the sustainability of resources (raw materials).
Issues
Generating income through non-destructive and non-polluting activities, as opposed to cashew tree cultivation, is an urgent priority for the Phnom Kulen plateau. Marketing locally manufactured products helps to improve the incomes of local people and promote local crafts while preserving the ecosystems around the villages. To make baskets (basketry) and mats, for example, it is necessary to maintain stocks of pandanus sp (a plant that grows on the banks of rivers) and bamboo. This benefits both the riparian forests and the bamboo groves, both of which are important habitats for the ecosystems and species in the national park.
Already completed
At present, 98 artisans are part of the craft production network.
The «Kulen Craft» label is already sold in several places in Siem Reap town, and a dedicated sales area has been built at the main entrance to Phnom Kulen National Park.
Training in traditional crafts for the younger generation benefited 123 pupils from 4 primary schools.
