The First Tumring REDD+ Trust Fund Management Committee
Meeting and the 7th Project Board Committee Meeting
On 29 March 2023, a pivotal step was taken in the journey of sustainable forest management in Cambodia. The first Trust Fund Management Committee (TFMC) meeting for the Tumring REDD+ Project—a joint effort between the Forestry Administration (FA) of Cambodia and the Korea Forest Service (KFS)—was held virtually, bringing together leaders and stakeholders committed to climate action, biodiversity protection, and community development.
The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr. Keo Omaliss, the delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in charge of the Forestry Administration and co-chaired by Dr. Park Eunsik, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau of the Korea Forest Service. This meeting was organized by the Project Management Team of the Forestry Administration and the Korea Forest Service for the purpose of 1) presenting the progress of project implementation for 2015-2022, 2) presenting the management of the trust fund; and 3) discussing and approving the budget and action plan for the implementation of the project from 2021 to 2026.
H.E Keo Omaliss, chair, the TFMC members from FA, and PMU members participated in the meeting.
Dr. Park Eunsik, co-chair, the TFMC members from KFS participated in the meeting.
A Partnership Rooted in Impact
Since 2015, the Tumring REDD+ Project has been a model of collaborative conservation. More than 42,000 hectares of tropical forest have been safeguarded, while over 5,000 indigenous and local households have received direct support through community-based activities and services. The project has protected valuable wildlife, including 64 mammal species, 103 bird species, 49 herpetofauna, and 283 insect species, showcasing its ecological importance.
In terms of climate impact, the project reduced 645,413 metric tons of CO₂ emissions between 2015 and 2019. A remarkable 90% of the first batch of verified carbon credits—over 580,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent—has already been sold.
Building Transparent Finance for Forests
To ensure that funds from carbon credit sales are used responsibly and transparently, the project developed a Trust Fund Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This document serves as a financial roadmap, guiding how resources are managed and distributed to maximize impact on both people and nature.
During the meeting, the TFMC reviewed and approved the 2023 Annual Work Plan and Budget, which outlines key expenditures for administration and project activities. This annual budget will be invested throughout the year to support core strategies such as:
- Strengthening forest tenure and land-use planning,
- Enhancing forest protection and law enforcement,
- Improving community livelihoods through enterprises and sustainable agriculture,
- Promoting environmental education and stakeholder engagement.
Advancing Local Action and Scientific Knowledge
In 2022 alone, the project made tangible progress on the ground. Two community forests were established, and four more are in the pipeline for official land registration. Over 1,000 people—including 77 women—joined forest patrols, resulting in the confiscation of illegal equipment and the prosecution of offenders.
The project also helped launch and continuously support:
- A community resin enterprise,
- A solar-powered water system and battery charging station,
- Two agriculture cooperatives, and
- A conservation microfinance group.
In collaboration with biodiversity experts, the project published several technical reports on local species, contributing valuable data for ongoing conservation planning.
Looking Forward
As the meeting concluded, the committee confirmed that the next TFMC meeting will be held in Korea, potentially aligning with the Gangwon Forestry Expo in 2024. This reflects the continued commitment of both countries to scale up joint efforts and share lessons globally.
The first TFMC meeting not only marked a new chapter in REDD+ governance but also underscored the importance of long-term partnerships in achieving climate resilience and sustainable development. With strong foundations and shared vision, the Tumring REDD+ Project is well-positioned to drive further impact in the years to come.
More information about activities from 2015 to 2022, please check out our Quarter and Annual Reports