Sok Sotha, a passionate advocate for agroecology, grew up on a farm in rural Cambodia, where his family’s connection to the land fostered his commitment to sustainable farming practices. Having seen firsthand how secure land rights enabled his family to improve their farm and livelihood, Sotha now champions agroecology, emphasizing its importance for human and soil health, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity protection.

Agroecology goes beyond just environmental care, incorporating social aspects like farmers' rights, access to land, working conditions, and fair marketing practices. Sotha’s advocacy extends globally, as he represents Cambodian farmers in international forums, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meetings. While agroecology has limited state backing, the momentum is growing thanks to efforts from organizations like the International Land Coalition and others.

A significant opportunity for advancement lies in the upcoming COP-16, where Target 10 of the CBD’s monitoring framework will recognize agroecology as key to sustainable agriculture and land management.