Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Cambodia’s natural resource conservation and sustainable development efforts, particularly in protected natural areas across the country.
The commitment was highlighted during a meeting on Monday, between Stefanie Lang, Executive Director and Head of Delegation, LLF; representatives of Conservation International Cambodia, and Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, at the ministry.
During the discussion, Lang praised Cambodia’s achievements in managing protected natural areas, noting the active participation of local communities in ensuring sustainable forest conservation.
She emphasised that LLF would continue strengthening cooperation with the ministry in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Sophalleth highlighted the ministry’s Green Leisure Destination Development Project, the initiative strengthens environmental conservation while also preserving culture, religious traditions and natural resources. And also improves the beauty of protected areas and enhances livelihoods of local communities.
He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to environmental protection through clear government strategies and the environmental sector’s circular strategy framework, including nationwide tree planting efforts to expand forest cover and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
He also underlined Cambodia’s implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to address climate change and the country’s efforts to expand carbon credit projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
According to the ministry, Cambodia is promoting modern forest restoration techniques, including drone-assisted seed dispersal and bamboo cultivation projects, to support conservation and carbon credit generation.
He further stressed the importance of improving livelihoods for communities living in protected areas by enabling them to directly benefit from forest conservation activities.
He also encouraged development partners to support giant grass plantation projects with local communities as a means of protecting forests while creating future economic opportunities linked to industrial demand.
Under its ongoing partnership, LLF is providing approximately $1 million annually for at least 15 years to support the Central Cardamom Mountains Landscape Programme within Cardamom Mountains National Park.
The funding supports improved protected area management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable livelihood development for local communities in the region.
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