CAC News
Phnom Penh, November 10, 2025 — Cambodia’s forest sector is gaining growing attention from textile manufacturers, plantation operators, and wood processing industries eager to source materials from legally managed, traceable, and sustainably managed forests. Driven by environmental concerns and rising international demand for verified sustainable products, the shift marks a new era for the country’s forestry industry.
Despite this global momentum, Cambodia’s uptake of forest certification remains limited. Recognizing the importance of strengthening its position in international supply chains, increasing value-added wood exports, and improving forest governance, the Royal Government of Cambodia — through the Forest Administration, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) — has initiated a process to develop national forest certification standards.
This initiative aims to align Cambodia’s forestry sector with green economy principles, contributing to forest sustainability, improved livelihoods, and climate change mitigation efforts.
As part of the standard-setting process, a one-day consultation workshop has been organized to enhance awareness and build capacity among key stakeholders. The workshop’s goals include validating the list of stakeholders involved in the certification process, establishing clear consultation procedures, and officially forming a Stakeholder Working Group (SWG). The SWG will play a central role in ensuring balanced representation across economic, social, and environmental interests, reflecting Cambodia’s unique forest governance context.
The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) was among the organizations invited to participate. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices, CAC has rejected membership applications from individuals or groups that have cleared forest land to establish cashew farms — a move in line with new European sustainability regulations.
Expected outputs from the workshop include:
- A validated and consolidated list of stakeholders participating in the national standard-setting process.
- Consensus on consultation modalities, communication channels, and timelines.
- Formal establishment of the Stakeholder Working Group with balanced representation and clear terms of reference.
- A public announcement marking the official launch of Cambodia’s forest certification standard-setting process.
Officials say the initiative will lay the foundation for a credible, transparent, and inclusive forest certification system, strengthening Cambodia’s competitiveness in global markets while ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
