SEED: a Thai-Cambodian Transboundary Tree Conservation Initiative

Sustainable Ecosystems, Empowered Communities & Development (SEED), a Thai-Cambodian Transboundary Tree Conservation Initiative

Partner: Freeland Foundation
Years: 2026-2027

Illegal logging networks along the Thai-Cambodian border have long targeted high value tree species such as Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis, CR) and, more recently, Makha (Afzelia xylocarpa, EN) to satisfy the high demand from other countries, pushing these species to the brink of extinction in some areas. This project aims to conserve these threatened tree species.

Planned activities under this project include: reviewing and documenting current community conditions in focal provinces on both sides of the border; establishing community-managed tree nurseries for endangered species reforestation; conducting school and community awareness programs; strengthening the capacity of border law enforcement to address nature crime; and providing equipment and technical support to monitor illegal timber trafficking routes.
Freeland Foundation’s approach focuses on four priority areas:
(i) Engaging Communities in Forest Restoration – supporting active local participation in reforestation, conservation, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
(ii) Raising Stakeholder Awareness – informing and uniting governments and civil society about the importance of forest conservation and sustainable resource management.
(iii) Enhancing Law Enforcement – improving cross-border coordination, intelligence sharing, and legal capacity to interdict and deter illegal logging and related trafficking.
(iv) Reconvening Bilateral Cooperation – rebuilding trust and collaboration for transboundary forest protection and restoration.
This approach aims to foster resilience, build trust, and support long-term biodiversity protection in a politically sensitive landscape.
The species targeted include Afzelia xylocarpa (EN), Aquilaria crassna (CR), Dalbergia cochinchinensis (CR), Dalbergia oliveri (CR), Dipterocarpus alatus (VU), Hopea odorata (VU), Pterocarpus macrocarpus (EN).