Working elsewhere in Cambodia, the ABE has found tree ordination ceremonies to be one of powerful tools for introducing the links between Buddhism and conservation to local communities, and promoting the latter. ABE uses this approach to promote the protection of the “Sacred Forests” that is facing enormous pressure from encroachment by land developers and villagers. On 4th June 2008, Venerable Hiek Sopheap, Executive Director of the Association of Buddhists for the Environment (ABE) celebrated mangrove tree ordination ceremony in Kampot province. This image was issued by local magazine “Dara” issue 65, year IV, dated 26 June- 09 July, 2008 under its title “Habitats and Mangrove forests were devastated”.

The Association of Buddhists for the Environment (ABE) has released the viewable film about community forestry, Buddhism and Cambodian heritage that can be watched from this website in four separate films. The film has introduced the role of Buddhism in environmental education, and in managing the natural resources.

Buddhism embraces a view of reality called dependent origination – a view that emphasizes the inter-relatedness of all parts of the universe. As well as encouraging tolerance and the acceptance of diversity and difference, this view also teaches us to consider ourselves as being interrelated and part of the general environment around us.

The Association of Buddhists for the Environment (ABE) has organized “The Sangha and Environment Study Tour” to Thma Bang in Central Cardaman Protected Areas and it has taken for 4 full days from the 3^rd to 6^th December 2007. Totally, there are 30 monks from ABE’s target area in Kampong Chhnang, Sre Ambel, Botum Sakor and Thma Bang. The Study Tour has been supported by GEF, SGP programme of UNDP, Wildlife Alliance, and CI.

ARC’s sister organization, the Association of Buddhists for the Environment (ABE), has been very active in introducing the concept of community forests in Cambodia. It is a unique effort to protect natural resources through Buddhist teachings and environmental education. For example one of the highest-ranking and influential monks in Kampong Leg district of Kampong Chhnang province, Venerable Van Sokhim, has been elected chief of Porchrok Chumrok Buddhisen Community Forestry with the support of local monks, villagers and local authorities. Read more...