Demonstrating the value of the protected area, community involvement, and conservation is important to align the project with political and bureaucratic imperatives. Provincial authorities have recognised this project as an example of best practice, particularly in terms of community zoning. The method has been replicated in other communities in the protected area, and the Provincial Director of the Ministry of the Environment also advised to apply the method in other wildlife sanctuaries.
A partnership with the Sam Veasna Center for Conservation (SVC), a Cambodian NGO, has provided expertise in promoting responsible tourism. SVC have ensured promotion of the ecotourism project to national and international tourists, as well as supporting tourist visit logistics. SVC also work with the local community to build their capacity for providing tourism services.
- The Ministry of Environment recognises the community as a flagship community committee, allowing the committee to attend and present at several workshops throughout the country to share their experiences.
- Existence of a local NGO in Cambodia’s most popular tourism destination (Siem Reap) with a goal to promote alternative sustainable livelihoods from ecotourism for local communities at priority sites for conservation provided a natural partner for the project.
Respond to the political and bureaucratic imperatives such as demonstrating value of parks beyond biodiversity. Ensure further political support – or less interference – by raising the profile and status of the park and conservation enterprises among communities and civil society such that political and bureaucratic forces respond to that support.