Within the project area’s buffer zone near a sugar cane economic land concession, 20ha of former slash-and-burn land was allocated for village agricultural activities with guidance from the project’s Community Orchard Program team. The area is under the management of the Ministry of Environment, but has been reserved as community land for agricultural purposes. Many species are grown within the orchard, including the prized and extremely valuable durian fruits – which retail for $7/kg (compared to $0.50/kg for mangoes) and provide an important source of household income for local communities*.
*Southern Cardamom Half Year Report Q1-Q2 2022