Green Pagodas: linking Buddhism and conservation in the Central Cardamoms of Cambodia

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Green Pagodas Linking Buddhism and
Conservation in the Central Cardamoms of Cambodia
Deep in the heart of the Central Cardamom
Mountains, southwest Cambodia, conservation and
Buddhism are being brought together in a new
initiative to conserve the regions distinct
biodiversity. Through the Green Pagodas
project, supported by Conservation International,
local monks are being trained as conservation
educators. When completed, the selected monks
will be able to communicate conservation messages
through the media of Buddhist teachings (dharma)
and rituals.
The Green Pagodas project is managed by the
Association of Buddhists for the Environment, a
local organization that oversees the training of
monks and the coordination of specific project
events (see below).
The present project is a new pilot initiative.
More support is being sought to scale-up the
project across the Central Cardamom Protected
Forest.
Spiritual walks (dhammyietra) by monks are used
to inspire the protection of the environment by
local communities.
The importance of protecting forest systems is
promoted through Buddhist tree ordination
ceremonies.