Conservation work by the Kingdom’s indigenous communities has drawn international attention, thanks to a presentation at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.
Representatives of Cambodia’s indigenous communities and environment officials showcased their work at the congress, held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, from October 9 to 15.
An October 21 statement from the Fauna & Flora – Cambodia Programme, explained how, in collaboration with the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, they proudly supported the first-time participation of Sav It, an Indigenous chief of the O’Tung Community Protected Area.
Sav It’s presentation, “Empowering Indigenous-led Conservation through Sustainable Malva Nut Harvesting in theO’Tung CPA, Virachey National Park”, showcased how the Kavet indigenous peoples sustainably manage and protect forests through traditional knowledge and the responsible use of non-timber forest products.
“His presentation drew strong international interest, emphasising that local leadership is central to global conservation success — fostering biodiversity protection, gender inclusion and resilient livelihoods” explained the release.
Kong Kimsreng, director of the Terrestrial Protected Areas Conservation Department at the Ministry of Environment, also addressed the forum.
He shared key highlights of “Nature-based Solutions in Practice from Cambodia”, reinforcing the country’s commitment as an IUCN State Member to integrate nature- and community-driven solutions into conservation.
Fauna & Flora, in close collaboration with the environment ministry and the Ratanakkiri environment department, recently announced new 2025–2029 management plans for the O’Tung and Mondul Yuan community protected areas in Virachey National Park.
The plans provide guidance, strategies, and actions to support sustainable conservation with local communities, covering zoning and land-use planning, community roles and governance structures, monitoring, enforcement, capacity-building, ecological restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
They will be financially supported by UK International Development, under the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.
The O’Tung Community Protected Area covers a total of 9,862 hectares, and spanning Rork, Lalai, Trak and Lameiy villages in Kok Lak commune, Veun Sai district, in Ratanakkiri province. The area is home to 2,755 people.
