Cambodians turn grass into fine art works

KHMER people in the southern Vietnamese province of Kien Giang have kept the traditional handicraft of weaving co bang (a kind of sedge) to make rattan artworks for centuries.

Local authorities have implemented a project to preserve local sedge fields to maintain the natural eco system, biodiversity and sustainable material sources for locals.

In 2016, a reservation zone for local sedge has been set up, the only field left in the area due to urbanisation and the need to open more aqua-farms and industrial zones.

“We have tried to preserve the field of co bang to supply materials to locals to ensure stable incomes,” said Lam Hoang Tuan, deputy director of the Phu My Nature Reservation Zone.

Most women and children in the commune are involved in the industry. The preservation zone has created jobs for 200 labourers, 90 per cent of whom are from the Khmer group.

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