AKP Phnom Penh, May 10, 2025 —

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2025, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with NatureLife Cambodia (NLC), with support from BirdLife International and Mandai Nature, premiered a short film highlighting the “Crane-Friendly Rice” initiative.

The film showcases the achievements and ongoing challenges of the project over the past three years, with a particular focus on promoting community participation and efforts to protect migratory birds—especially the endangered Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone sharpii), Southeast Asia’s tallest and most iconic waterbird.

The Sarus Crane, once revered in the region’s culture and architecture dating back to the Angkor era, is now listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to a sharp population decline. In Cambodia, the cranes nest in the northern and eastern plains and migrate seasonally to the Mekong floodplains and the Tonle Sap wetlands during the non-breeding season. A 2024 national census recorded just 178 individuals remaining in the country. Researchers attribute the drop to increased mortality and reduced breeding success over the past decade.

Launched in 2019, the “Crane-Friendly Rice” project promotes biodiversity-friendly farming practices that protect wetland ecosystems, reduce chemical use, and improve the livelihoods of local communities. As of 2025, the project has expanded to cover over 185 hectares of rice fields across important crane habitats.

World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice a year, in May and October, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. The theme for 2025—“Protecting Habitats, Building Communities, and Creating Bird-Friendly Spaces”—was the inspiration behind the film’s production.

Mr. Bou Vorsak, Executive Director of NatureLife Cambodia, stated: “After three years of piloting, the positive results have greatly encouraged us. We aim to scale up the project for greater impact in crane conservation and community wellbeing. We invite the public to watch the short film and support our ongoing efforts.”

H.E. Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, also expressed his congratulations on the project’s success. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to conserving natural resources through community-based initiatives, noting that the project has improved livelihoods, reduced pollution, and created additional food sources for the cranes.

He encouraged the public to support the initiative by purchasing rice grown through the “Crane-Friendly Rice” project—offering health benefits to consumers, economic support to farmers, and long-term protection for the Sarus Crane population.

The public is invited to view the short film as part of the awareness campaign celebrating World Migratory Bird Day 2025.

By K. Rithy Reak