Hear from community members about the positive impact REDD+ has had on their forests and livelihoods, and what life would have been like without it.
There’s power in storytelling. Community Voice Storyteller, Chanrachna Teck, spoke with community members about how the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project has directly impacted their community, and what life would be like without the project. These residents, deeply connected to their ancestral lands, share a common story of positive transformation on their economy, livelihoods, forests and wildlife since the implementation of the REDD+ project.
Dav Saem
“The Keo Seima REDD+ Project has played a big part in alleviating difficulties and improving community infrastructure. In the past it was really hard for us to get water, especially in the dry season. We had to go to remote forests to collect water from freshwater streams and carry the water back to the village. But now, we don’t have to go through all of those difficulties anymore because through the funding from the Keo Seima REDD+ project, we have built pumping wells that are close to our house which is very convenient for community members to use both day and night.” – Dav Saem, Sre Lvi Community Committee Member
Terb Khvert
“Before, there were many deforestation activities from big timber trading companies that had massively cutdown trees on a large scale without any intervention from local authorities. But since the implementation of the Keo Seima REDD+ project, those companies have been deactivated and deforestation activities have been reduced because of the support from the Keo Seima REDD+ project in community patrols and law enforcement in aims of protecting Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuaries natural resources from illegal logging activities.” – Terb Khvert, Pu Haim Community Chief
Hong Chak
“From what I have observed, without the support from the Keo Seima REDD+ project, the forest in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary might have degraded a long time ago. Therefore, we really need REDD+ projects to foster the collaboration between communities, local authorities, and park rangers in protecting these valuable natural resources.” – Hong Chak, O Rona Community Patrol Member
Mony Bunsen
“If there was no REDD+ project, I think my community would face many challenges. They do not understand the importance of biodiversity conservation and while they are struggling in earning family income, they will stop their children from going to school and send them to collect forest products to support their family instead. Now, through the Keo Seima REDD+ project, we have formed a community saving group for community members to borrow when they are in need of cash to support their business and livelihood.” – Mony Bunsen, Pu Tang Community Focal Person
Hao Pill
“Before the implementation of the Keo Seima REDD+ project, my community didn’t have any access to nearby water sources or electricity, and the forest was being cut down. But after receiving support from the Keo Seima REDD+ project, deforestation activity has been reduced and the livelihood of the community is also getting better.” – Hao Pill, Pu Haim Community Patrol
Klek Dan
“I was not knowledgeable on natural resource conservation, but after the REDD+ project team conducted various consultation meetings and trainings on natural resource management, I and other community members were able to understand forestry law and the significant role of preserving biodiversity, which resulted in the reduction of forest crime in the last couple years.” – Klek Dan, Pu Ngorl CPA Community Chief
Korn Phalla
“I hope for increased support and involvement in our community because the forest is vital for everyone. It can protect us from air pollution and benefit future generations. If we lose the forest, we will lose our ecological balance, and wildlife would disappear.” – Korn Phalla, Pu Rang Community Member
Preng Soksari
“If my community didn’t have the REDD+ project we would have been easily harmed, just like what happened in the Snoul wildlife sanctuary. They have lost massive amounts of natural resources and are dealing with various climate problems. Snoul used to have a milder climate, but now they experience heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flooding due to the loss of their forests.” – Preng Soksari, Pu Trom CPA Community Chief
Leng Sreynheb
“From my point of view, communities that have REDD+ projects implemented have funding assistance to support community development and improve community capacity on biodiversity conservation, unlike communities that don’t have REDD+ support.” – Leng Sreynheb, Sre Preah Village Chief
Chranh Khlik
“I don’t want the REDD+ project to end because if we lose REDD+, our forest will also be gone and the non-timber forest products that we usually collect will no longer be available. Moreover, we will not be able to release our cattle freely in the forest like we usually do.” – Chranh Khlik, Pu Char Community Member
