The leaching ponds at Late Cheng’s mining site in Sochet commune, Kampong Thom province, pose a contamination threat to the waterways inside Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary. Image by Gerald Flynn / Mongabay.
KAMPONG THOM, Cambodia — “The company operates as they please. We’ve asked the authorities for help, but they won’t do anything for us,” said Bunnarith*, a lifelong resident of Snang An village in the densely forested province of Kampong Thom. “The people living in Snang An live here in misery.”
Navy Koeung and Kimheak Chhay at COP28. Kiripost/Via WCS
Navy Koeung has become the first Bunong to address global leaders and high-ranking decision makers when she highlighted the benefits of carbon finance in forest conservation at COP28.
On Sunday, Navy, who lives in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, took to the stage at the UNFCCC’s 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), which is this year hosted in the UAE, to put forward her case.
Chanang cuisine originated Kreung Indigenous from Ratanakiri province [Image by Chanang Indigenous]Cambodia is a beautiful destination for national and international tourists because of its diversity of identities, religions, and cultures. Cambodia has a unique culture and wonderful local foods for visitors to taste when they visit this country.
Most people probably know only Khmer traditional dishes, but not everyone knows Indigenous dishes in local communities. In fact, there are many indigenous foods that not many people have tasted. The tourist would be amazed by the unique flavors of the Indigenous cuisine of Northeast Cambodia.
Chanang soup [Image by Chanang Indigenous]Prepare to be astounded by the extraordinary flavor profile of Chanang. Hailing from the enchanting Ratanakiri province in Cambodia, Chanang is a culinary masterpiece that bears the indelible mark of the esteemed Kreung Indigenous community. This extraordinary dish effortlessly embodies the essence of Kreung identity and the rich tapestry of their traditional cuisine.
Its sway now extends throughout the whole of Ratanakiri province, and its distinctive flavor is instantly recognizable to anybody who visits the area. When people think about cuisine in Ratanakiri, Chanang is the first thing that comes to mind. Chanang is an indigenous food that originates from the Kreung Indigenous people in Ratanakiri province. It was deeply influenced by the Indigenous Kreung families that discovered Chanang soup many decades ago.
It has evolved over centuries and reflects the cultural significance of local traditional food. Food plays a crucial role in indigenous social and cultural life.
This food represents the identity and legacy of the Kreung people in Cambodia. It is not only representing identity; it also promotes indigenous foods and indigenous culture in Cambodia.
Chanang soup is made from the leaves of a plant that Christians call “Chhung” or Khmer call leaves. Chanang soup looks black; if you look at it for a moment on bamboo with beef stew, it will taste good and make you feel different.
Senna (coffee weed) leaves [Image by Chanang Indigenous]
The dish is often prepared and served in indigenous restaurants or by individuals who aim to preserve and promote traditional Kreung cuisine. It is considered a rare food in comparison to mainstream Cambodian dishes.
Chanang provides cooling and refreshing effects, and the Chanang plant offers health advantages for us. The process of cooking Chanang involves simmering the ingredients for a long time to bring out the flavors and make the soup tender. It is typically enjoyed as a hearty and nourishing meal, showcasing the culinary traditions of the Kreung ethnic group.
The process of cooking Chanang as Indigenous traditional way [Image by Bophan Centre]It is a traditional soup made with an incorporation of local ingredients, including Senna (coffee weed) leaves, bamboo shoots, baby corn, vegetables, and meat specified as beef or pork. The soup has a thick and dark consistency with a strong, earthy flavor unique to the region.
“Chanang is a kind of food that can be stored for a long time because Kreung elders cook it for families to eat it in long weeks before getting it onto the table,” Sompoy Chansophea’s Kreung man said.
It’s worth noting that Chanang is a specialty dish that represents the cultural uniqueness of the Kreung people. It is not as widely known or available as mainstream Cambodian cuisine. However, efforts are being made to promote and preserve the traditional food of indigenous communities in Cambodia.
Indigenous women plays important role to preserve and promote indigenous foods [Image by Chanang Online]“I intend to preserve the traditional food of the Kreung people through this restaurant,” Sok Em told Phnom Post News on July 2nd, 2023.
Indigenous women have the main role to preserve local indigenous food. Women play a central role in food production, preparation, and preservation. They have a deep understanding of local food knowledge like local ingredients, cooking techniques, and daily cooking of food.
Women frequently play an important role in community food-related activities, such as planning feasts, making food for rites and festivities, and sharing meals with neighbors and extended family. They encourage social solidarity and reinforce community relationships by engaging in these activities.
It needs to acknowledge and encourage women in their roles inside traditional food systems in order to preserve cultural diversity, achieve food security, and promote sustainable and nutritious meals.
If you are interested in trying or learning more about Chanang, you may want to visit indigenous restaurants or establishments that specialize in Kreung cuisine. Chanang Indigenous is a Kreung unique dish cooked by Indigenous Kreung women from Ratanakiri province. These places might offer an authentic experience and allow you to taste this unique indigenous recipe firsthand.
If you want to explore local indigenous dishes, you can find them in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and specifically in Ratanakiri province.
The cultural background of local food is an essential part of indigenous culinary customs, reflecting the history, values, and tastes of a region or nation. Chanang cuisine is a traditional legacy of Kreung people in Cambodia.
Ratanakiri is considered one of the most beautiful province in part of Northeastern Cambodia. This province was created in 1959 from land that had been the eastern area of Stung Treng province. Ratanakiri is the homeland of diverse Indigenous Peoples who have been living there for many centuries.
Landscape of Banlung town, capital of Ratanakiri province [Image by Guidetrip]A former Cambodia’s Senior Official also from Indigenous community in Ratanakiri province. This man was Bou Thang belongs to Tampuan Indigenous who was born in a small village of Ratanakiri province, part of Northeastern Cambodia. He was born on 15 August 1938 in Kachon village, Kachon commune, Vern Sai district, Rattanakiri province, Cambodia. Unfortunately, he passed away in the morning of 12 September 2019 (aged 82) due to his illness at Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh.
Bou Thang died at aged 82 in Phnom Penh [Image by MFAIC]General Bou Thang completed a bachelor’s degree in social science in Phnom Penh. He was former Chairman of the 4th Committee of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia and one of the prominent figures who liberated Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge.
Bou Thang had five children such as Thang Savon who is the current Provincial Governor of Modulkiri province.
Bou Thang and his son, Thang Savonn, currently Governor of Mondulkiri province [Image by Thang Savonn]Bou Thang had transited the soldier and political training session from 1954-1970 in Vietnam. In 1974, he to Vietnam to join with the National Salvation Front to fight Khmer Rouge Genocide well known as Pol Pot Regime. Later on, he was the first Indigenous person who became a Member of the Standing Committee of Cambodian People’s Party’s Central until his death.
Thang was a former Deputy Minister, Minister of the Ministry of National Defense between 1992-1996 with Star fourth 4 Golden Stars General. After the election, he became a Lawmaker of Parliament for Ratanakiri province from 1993 to 2012. Afterward, he served as Chairman of the Fourth Committee Interior and became a Defense of the Senate from 2012 till 2016.
Thang was also promoted as Deputy Prime Minister and was an advisor to Senate President Say Chhum since 2016.
Thang was fluent in three foreign languages, Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai, before he joined the Cambodian government in 1970. He also can speak his native language like Tampuan and 10 Indigenous languages in the Northeastern of Cambodia.
Bou Thang was not only fluent in foreign languages, but he also wrote The History Journey Never Forget, which describes his journey during the Cambodian Civil War.
Bou Thang (left side) and his Dignitaries [No source]Samech Hun Sen added that Gen Thang also actively contributed to the rehabilitation and development of the nation across all sectors. Hun Sen continued, Gen Thang also sought to promote the rights of ethnic minorities, transformed the northeastern parts of the Kingdom into a fast-developing region, and left a legacy of service in the Senate that contributed to the strengthening of democracy and rule of law in the Kingdom.
President Chhum, “Gen Thang was a hero who will be remembered for his fight in liberating the country, preventing the return of Pol Pot’s regime, and developing the nation toward economic and social prosperity, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the Kingdom.”
“The mentor Bou Thang had contributed through his whole life for the sake of the national defense, rehabilitation and reconstruction for the survival of Cambodian people and the maintenance of peace and prosperity for the country. He used to be my bss in the Ministry of National Defense,” Prak Sokhon said.
Ngorn Him is determined to improve literacy and knowledge in the young – and to achieve his goal, he is creating community libraries to encourage them to read from an early age.
Ngorn Him teaching children in the Library [Image by Ngorn Him]
The 29-year-old was born in Prey Svay village in Battambang province. He went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Natural Resource Management and Development at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
Mr. Him founded Kuy Indigenous Community Library Prameru Commune in Prameru village, Preah Vihear province. He said he was motivated to build the library to cultivate children’s love of learning, develop their reading ability, provide opportunities for children to learn English for free, and to create a club for children to teach each other.
In the 21st century, the main reason for a language dying is that people simply abandon it in favor of another language. And, that is exactly how UNESCO defines an endangered language, one that has been abandoned by its people for another more universal language.
Preserving a language means preserving its very community and culture, which is essential to maintaining a diverse and inclusive world. How can preserve Indigenous peoples languages?
Amidst ongoing debates, many people continue to assert that women are incapable of achieving important things within their communities. It is worth noting that the significant ceremony known as Indigenous Peoples Day is actually spearheaded by women from the Indigenous Peoples community. Indigenous women play important roles in their communities’ events and fulfilling significant responsibilities within their families.
Indigenous Chong in Areng, Koh Kong province (2023 by VCIP)
Days ago, the Indigenous Chong community came together to commemorate the 29th Indigenous Peoples Day in the vibrant Areng community. The event was graced by the presence and guidance of their very own community members. In a remarkable display of pride, it is evident that lots of Indigenous women are at the forefront of organizing and commemorating the event in the Areng Valley area. In this captivating image, we witness a remarkable woman who has been at the forefront of the Indigenous Peoples Day activity from its inception until the day it ended. Her unwavering dedication is evident as she tirelessly mobilizes and orchestrates acts of solidarity, ensuring the provision of nourishment to those in need. Additionally, she plays a key part in facilitating communication and collaboration with representatives from various community committees.
She brings rice while raining to commemorate IPs Day in Areng Valley (2023 by VCIP)
She arrives at the Ips Day celebration early in the morning with chickens, rice, and vegetables. Even though it was raining heavily, she continued to walk forward to organize the ceremony. “It’s our day, so let’s contribute as much as we can to commemorate our Indigenous rights and preserve our identity,” she said.
It reflects self-esteem and self-determination of indigenous peoples in commemorating their own event with solidarity.
