"Danida Speech for the handover of the Green Book ‘Test Edition’, Ministry of Interior, 5 November 2007
H.E Deputy PM and Minister of Interior
H.E Senior Minister, Minister of Environment
H.E Minister, Minister of Agriculture (tbc)
H.E Secretaries of State, under secretary of State, Provincial Governors,
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, ministry representatives, national and international distinguished guests
The National Strategic Development Plan 2006-2010 aims to ensure that land and natural resources are used in an efficient manner in order to support sustainable and equitable socio-economic development for all Cambodia citizens. The Danida-DfID-supported Natural Resource Management in Decentralization & Deconcentration Component supports the RGC in its Decentralization & Deconcentration reforms overseen by the National Committee for the management of the Decentralization and Deconcentration reforms (NCDD).
The handover today of the ‘Green Book’ – a first ‘test edition’ of a Commune Council Service Delivery Handbook is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Interior-Department for Local Administration and CBNRM-Learning Institute. The NCDD recognises the Green Book as an important contribution to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s decentralisation and deconcentration reforms. It constitutes the beginning of a longer-term process of improving service delivery systems to Commune Councils.
The ‘Test Edition’ has been developed after a thorough consultative process with many organisations and individuals throughout Cambodia. In particular, much is owed to the National Committee for the management of the Decentralization and Deconcentration Reforms (NCDD), and Danida - who provided the impetus behind its initial concept and the financial support – as well as to the Green Book team at the CBNRM Learning Institute who have turned the concept into reality. It is anticipated that, through advertising support, the Green Book will ultimately become self-financing.
The Green Book is a unique directory linking service seekers and service providers in the fields of agriculture, land and natural resources and environmental management. It covers the whole of Cambodia and, in its current printed form, is of particular relevance to commune councils, district and provincial authorities, and community-based organisations. Many other organisations and individuals may also find it useful. Service providers include local and nationally based organisations in both the public and private sectors.
The Green Book aims to assist Commune Councils and their constituents in making informed choices with regard to public service provision. Indeed, for the first time, particularly Cambodia’s rural populace will have access to a tool to link them to a broader array of service providers they need to develop and improve their livelihoods.
The ‘Test Edition’ specifically aims to solicit comments and critical feedback from Commune Councils and other user groups before publishing a revised First Edition in May 2008 i.e. before the start of the next Commune Development Plan-Commune Investment Programme planning cycle. It lays the foundations for a directory that will continue to be updated and developed. In this way, it will reflect the views of all stakeholders to make it as relevant and useful as possible in contributing to the reduction of rural poverty in Cambodia.
Thanks
I would like to extend special thanks to Mr. Samoeun Sothyro and the CBNRM-Learning Institute team for their professionalism, enthusiasm and perseverance during the preparation and production of the Green Book Test Edition.
More information on the Green Book can be downloaded in the right pane.
