In Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project, communities and conservationists are working hand-in-hand to build a future where people and endangered wildlife—especially Asian elephants—can live together in harmony. Through open dialogue, local wisdom, and creative solutions, a shared vision of human-wildlife coexistence is taking root in the forest.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the leadership of Kae Vert, a young Indigenous Bunong woman who has defied expectations to lead her community in protecting their ancestral lands. As the chief of the Sre Preah Community Protected Area in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Vert is working to preserve both the environment and the cultural traditions of her people.
Jennifer Mwandoe always dreamed of attending university, but financial struggles and family expectations forced her to put those dreams on hold. Now, as a mother of two, she is determined to rewrite her story. Read how she is navigating marriage, motherhood, and academics—proving that education has no expiration date
The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project supports students in rural Cambodia, like Ra Srey Lin, in pursuing higher education through its scholarship program. These opportunities enable young people to achieve their aspirations, contribute to their communities, and shape a sustainable future.
As chief of the O Pong Rong Community Protected Area, Sari champions conservation and cultural preservation in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, inspiring his community to safeguard the land that sustains them.
Dephence Mdamu’s work at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project spans data management, wildlife tracking, and changing local attitudes about conservation. Learn how her role is helping both the environment and her community thrive.
In the heart of Koh Kong province, Mr. Tith Ly and his Chorng Indigenous community are safeguarding their ecosystem and revitalizing livelihoods. By partnering with the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, they are turning their deep connection to nature into a sustainable path forward, ensuring a thriving future for both their people and the forest.
“Through this ecotourism initiative, we are able to conserve the forest, protect our ancestral land, and preserve our tradition. And at the same time, wildlife’s habitat and their sources of food will be safeguarded.”
In the village of Ikita by Lake Mai-Ndombe, Boongo Phillip, a 60-year-old primary school teacher, exemplifies resilience and aspiration. Overcoming discrimination and financial hardships, he returned to school at 55 through a Mai-Ndombe REDD+ project bursary, graduating high school at 56. Now teaching at a school built by the project, Boongo inspires his community with his dedication to education and his hope for a brighter future for the next generation.
“In Cambodia, where rising temperatures have caused many of our water sources – such as rivers, ponds, and small brick wells – to dry up, the REDD+ Project’s provision of water couldn’t have come at a better time.”
