Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative 

Objectives

This project aims to assess opportunities for ecosystem restoration and associated financing mechanisms in Phnom Kulen National Park (PKNP). As one of the few remaining evergreen forest areas in northern Cambodia, the park contains 25% of Cambodia's IUCN threatened plant species. Biodiversity surveys have identified 28 IUCN listed species of global international concern within PKNP, including significant bat species density. As an important watershed, Phnom Kulen National Park (PKNP) makes up a significant part of the upper catchment of the Tonle Sap Great Lake. Restoration and improved protection of habitats in the upper catchment will enhance the functional diversity of the landscape to support the delivery of water services as well as provide improved connectivity amongst various Wildlife Sanctuaries.

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Project activities will include mapping and demarcation of areas within and surrounding the PKNP including variables such as cultural heritage sites, biodiversity hotspots, forest cover, water bodies and land use practices. A baseline assessment of the biodiversity of the site will be conducted through a desk review and collation of data from existing studies.

 

This will be followed by the analysis, identification and prioritization of the areas within the PKNP for different types of designations such as absolute protection, restoration, community use for sustainable livelihood; and the Identification of potential resettlement sites for cashew nut farming areas in the buffer zone of PKNP. The project will be carried out by the General Directorate of Administration for Nature Conservation and Protection of the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia.

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The long-term impacts of the project aim to restore and protect the PKNP, while also improving the sustainability of production for local actors to reduce the risk of increased forest degradation and deforestation. These outcomes will also protect the archaeological sites within the park, conserve biodiversity and evergreen forest cover, protect the 36 headwaters to the catchment, and protect the quality and quantity of water for stability of the Temples of Angkor and Siem Reap town. The project aims to disseminate tools for monitoring the long-term implementation of FLR to build local and national capacity.

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