Reducing the use of luxury furniture and rare woods can significantly protect the environment and conserve Cambodia’s forests. Despite this, many people remain unaware or unmotivated to use recycled furniture products, raw materials, or artificial wood. In Phnom Penh, shops along Sothearos Street and other locations sell a range of luxury and affordable furniture. Chhon Dara, a rattan furniture store owner, emphasizes the importance of preserving forests and promoting local handicrafts by offering furniture made from recycled wood. He highlights the challenges and benefits of this approach, including providing jobs for local communities and avoiding deforestation.

Another furniture seller, Ou Chan Serey, advocates for recycled wood furniture, citing its affordability and environmental benefits. Environmentalist Thorn Thun underscores the adverse impacts of luxury wood furniture on animal habitats and protected lands, and praises the durability of recycled wood furniture. Serey and Thun both emphasize the need for greater awareness and support for sustainable furniture options to reduce the exploitation of natural resources.

The Ministry of Environment has launched the Environmental Chakra Strategy (2023-2028) to protect and conserve natural resources, aiming for 60% forest cover by 2050. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries encourages using locally sourced and certified wood products, reducing the reliance on luxury woods. Efforts by USAID and the Cambodian government aim to change social attitudes and reduce demand for luxury wood furniture, promoting sustainable forestry and conservation practices to protect Cambodia’s forests for future generations.