Economic land concessions have led to the cutting down and clearing of forests to make way for rubber plantations and commercial agriculture. What will happen to the government’s vision of having Cambodia’s forest coverage recover to 60% by 2020?

Land conflict is an ongoing issue in Cambodia. People often protest nonviolently against land appropriation, including by blocking roads. Recently however, stories have emerged in the news of villagers fighting back against the police and Gendarmerie, with people saying they are willing to die to protect their property.

Recently, the Royal Government of Cambodia asked the International Court of Justice in The Hague to rule on the age-old border dispute at Preah Vihear temple. In 1962 the ICJ awarded ownership of Preah Vihear Temple to Cambodia by a 9 to 3 vote, stating that the 1907 map clearly showed Preah Vihear as being in Cambodia. The court only ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, and did not rule on the surrounding lands. Recent clashes around the temple have arisen because both Phnom Penh and Bangkok claim ownership of the 4.6-square-kilometre surrounding area. This week Equity looks at the history of border issues between these two nations and explores possible solutions to the dispute.

Many people living close to the Prey Long forest have protested the clearing of land granted as concessions for agriculture and mineral extraction. How can the interests of these people be balanced with the need to build Cambodia’s economy? Equity Weekly investigates.

As land titles are being made systematically, a large part of the people remain without hard titles. This can create big conflicts and has already made many homeless. Both people and businessmen seem to try to profit from the situation. Will the expropriation law help to solve some of the issues in evictions?