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Meet ZJ: Blogging to improve Cambodia's environment

Meet Zarah Jane Almeida who works as  a producer for Mlup Baitong's Environmental Advocacy Radio Program.   She has been blogging about her work and life at Sreisaat Adventures in Cambodia  since January, 2004.  Born in Roxas City, known as the seafood capital of the Philippines,  she graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in mass communications.   She moved to Cambodia in April, 2000. 

I had the pleasure of doing an interview with her on Global Voices.   Check it out and check out her blog and flickr pics.

Cambodia groups hold land forum

According to the BBC, indigenous peoples of Cambodia have been holding a forum to discuss the threat to traditional territory posed by incomers and land speculators.  The threat comes in the form of land grabs, threats to the environment and the local culture.  The indigenous peoples now plan to enlist the UN's help, and hope this will persuade the government to pass laws to recognise minority rights.   

Some questions:

• What are your opinions of this situation?
• What is the government's position on these cultural, environmental, and minority rights issues?
• Anyone blogging on this?  (I know there is little Internet access in the remote provinces, but perhaps there is a CIC located there?)

Additional resources:

Community Forestry International (NGO organizing the forums.  More about their work in Cambodia.
Cambodia Suffering Land Crisis, BBC, 9/2005
Land Grabbing Affecting the Poor, UN Press Release
NGO Forum Land Livelihood Programs
A short advocacy documentary about land grabbing in Ratanakiri province by Camerado

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