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.
On a recent visit to Chhay Areng village in Pralay Commune, Koh Kong province, I found myself immersed in its breathtaking beauty. Nestled among wide-open landscapes, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls, the village is embraced by pristine nature. As I stayed at a Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) guesthouse, I soaked in the serene mornings, walked along the village’s red muddy roads, and listened to the stories of the people who call this place home.
One conversation left a lasting impression on me—my talk with Mr. Tith Ly, the second Deputy Commune Chief of Pralay. His story of personal transformation and the journey of his community through the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project offers a powerful glimpse into how community-led conservation can reshape lives.
“I’m only 34 years old,” Mr. Tith Ly shared, “I belong to the Chorng Indigenous community, like many here, and I’m honored to serve as Deputy Commune Chief. But life wasn’t always this way.”
Growing up in the village, Ly followed in the footsteps of his parents, working in agriculture and forest harvesting. “At that time, everyone was cutting trees and sending them to sawmills and wood-processing plants. We lived simply—harvesting rice and farming to sustain ourselves year after year.”
But for Ly, the practice never felt quite right. “Indigenous people believe the forest and animals are sacred. We see ourselves as part of the natural world. Deep down, I knew cutting down the trees and clearing land for crops went against that belief. Yet, with little access to education and resources, there was no way to express this feeling to my family or the community.”
That all began to change in 2016 when Ly first heard about Wildlife Alliance and their work to establish an ecotourism initiative in Chi-Phat village. “I was curious, so I attended one of their meetings as a volunteer. That’s when I learned about the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, which sells carbon credits to companies in exchange for protecting our forests. The project promised not only environmental conservation but also sustainable livelihoods for villagers like us.”
Inspired, Ly took action. He was soon elected as a community leader, tasked with helping implement the project in Areng. Wildlife Alliance provided him with training, and a scholarship from the Ministry of Tourism allowed him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. “That education was a turning point. It helped me truly understand the goals of the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, and how we could turn our village into an eco-tourism destination.”
Since then, Areng has undergone remarkable change. The project has brought solar water wells, improved roads, health posts, and even educational scholarships—one of which Ly’s younger brother received in Phnom Penh. Villagers now work as tourist guides, cooks, and guesthouse owners, earning enough to support their families.
Reflecting on the past eight years, Ly beams with pride. “Through the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project and Wildlife Alliance, our community has thrived. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still more to do. I want to continue spreading awareness about the benefits of this project, help implement agricultural initiatives that reduce deforestation, and encourage our students to pursue higher education through new scholarship opportunities.”
As we ended our conversation, Ly spoke with a clear sense of optimism about the future of his village. ‘I firmly believe that the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project will continue to contribute to the development of our commune. We’re building a future where both the people and the forest can thrive together,’ he said.
In Chhay Areng, it’s clear that change is already in motion, and the story of Mr. Tith Ly offers hope for communities across Cambodia seeking a sustainable path forward.
