Community Protected Areas in Cambodia

Overwhelming evidence shows that local forest communities and Indigenous Peoples are the best guardians of woodlands and the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. Protecting their ownership and rights to manage natural spaces is the most effective way to defend against deforestation in Southeast Asia.

There has been a growing recognition globally of the essential role that local 
communities and indigenous peoples (LCIPs) play in sustainable natural resources management and biodiversity conservation.

We are working to build strong community forestry laws in the region that enshrine the management rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and ensure they have direct participation in decisions that impact the health of their forests.

When legal frameworks, particularly those at the national level, enable LCIPs to properly undertake this role, long-lasting environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits can be achieved.