Members of the Kuoy ethnic minority, part of the Prey Lang community network (PLCN) spanning Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom provinces, will perform a tree ordination ceremony next month. This annual event commemorates forests, accompanied by heartfelt prayers for their protection and preservation.

Hoeun Sopheap, a PLCN member in Kampong Thom province, said the event will unite local authorities, partner organisations and local and international guests, totalling approximately 400 attendees.

Scheduled for February 14-15 in the forest, the ceremony will adhere to cultural traditions and feature ethnic minority dance performances. 

“In humble dedication and remembrance, we conduct this ceremony, offering heartfelt prayers for the preservation of the cherished forest and the identity of the Kuoy ethnic minority group. This ceremony aims to highlight the forest’s inherent potential, fostering awareness and reverence within communities and the wider public,” he said. 

This year, PLCN members across the four provinces enlist the Ministry of Environment, provincial environment departments and local authorities to coordinate forest ceremonies. They said the ministry had previously restricted such events. 

Stung Treng Provincial Hall spokesman Men Kong said that proper recognition and registration with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities would prevent a ban on the group’s tree ordination ceremony in the forest. 

He said that there is restricted access to the Prey Lang area due to its designation as a protected forest and wildlife sanctuary. 

“When organising forest-related events aiming to contribute to the protection of natural resources, cooperation and adherence to existing principles are essential,” he said. 

Kong explained that communities have a right to hold such ceremonies. But to arrange it in the area, they must ask the environment ministry for permission first to ensure the attendance of all relevant parties.

Song Chan Socheat, director of the Preah Vihear provincial environment department, said that the ceremony contributes to public awareness, highlighting the benefits of protecting the area. He mentioned that the ceremony improves conservation tasks for both the communities and the ministry.

He said he is unsure about the origin of the PLCN members and their recognition by the authorities, noting that the ministry has its own community network dedicated to safeguarding natural resources in areas within its jurisdiction. 

“So, if these networks share our goal of preserving natural resources, we encourage them to team up with the ministry and the department,” he added. 

Environment ministry spokesman Phay Bunchhoeun could not be reached for comment.