LocationsCambodia’s Forests: A Living Lifeline for People, Nature and the Economy
March 25, 2026
Across Cambodia, forests are more than landscapes of trees and wildlife; they are lifelines supporting livelihoods, protecting biodiversity, conserving soils and water, and regulating the climate. For millions of Cambodians, forests are part of everyday life, providing fuelwood, wild foods, medicinal plants, and materials for shelter. Studies indicate that 41 percent of rural households derive between 20 and 50 percent of their livelihoods from forests, while 15 percent depend on them for more than half of their household income.
In Kampong Thom province, Sorn Sopheap, chief of the O’Soum Community Forestry under the Community Action for Sustainable Forests (CASFor) project, is leading efforts to strengthen conservation and community resilience. The O’Soum Community Forestry spans 308 hectares and supports 184 families who rely on forest resources.
“With support from CASFor, we are protecting our forest and improving our lives through activities like forest patrols and using forest products,” said Sorn Sopheap.
Under her leadership, community members take part in forest patrols and process non-timber forest products such as wild honey, galanga, and turmeric, helping to improve livelihoods.
Nearby, Sat Khseb Pralay Community Protected Area in Kampong Thom Province is a 333-hectare forest home to more than 1,000 people. Families rely on mushrooms, fish, and wild vegetables, while community-based ecotourism attracts visitors eager to see rare species such as the Bengal florican and the Sarus crane.
These efforts are supported through the CASFor initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Environment (MoE), with funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and technical support from FAO, in partnership with UNDP, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and RECOFTC.
As Cambodia marks International Day of Forests 2026 under the theme “Forests and Economies,” the country is highlighting how forests support both the environment and local livelihoods. Community-based forest management remains central to this effort, with Cambodia’s National Forest Programme aiming to establish two million hectares of community forests by 2029.
“This project has been actively implemented to empower local communities in their efforts to protect and sustainably conserve forests. By strengthening these community-led actions, CASFor contributes to environmental preservation as well as to improving local livelihoods.” — H.E. Chan Chesda, Secretary of State, MAFF
Through the initiative, 181,104 hectares of forest will be conserved and sustainably managed, including 60,000 hectares of biodiversity-rich habitats, benefiting 86,603 people across 148 community forestry and community protected areas.
“Investing in inclusive social forestry is fundamental to achieving sustainable development,” said Reto Grüninger, Director of Cooperation, Swiss Cooperation Office in Cambodia, SDC. “Through our support to initiatives like this, we contribute to Cambodia’s national priorities for sustainable forest management, strengthening forest governance, and protecting biodiversity while supporting livelihoods and climate resilience for communities."
“Across Cambodia, forests are deeply connected to the lives of rural communities, providing food, income, and resilience in a changing climate,” said Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia. “Through partnerships, FAO works with the Royal Government of Cambodia, SDC, and development partners to empower communities to protect and manage their forests, ensuring these landscapes continue to sustain people, nature, and local economies for generations to come while leaving no one behind.”
“Effective forest governance and cross-sector collaboration are key to securing the long-term value of forests,” said Shakeel Ahmad, Deputy Resident Representative and member of the Project Steering Committee, UNDP Cambodia. “Through CASFor, UNDP is working with the Royal Government of Cambodia to turn conservation into sustainable economic opportunities that empower communities and strengthen livelihoods.”
Forest protection is ultimately about people sustaining livelihoods, strengthening communities, and building resilience. With strong partnerships, Cambodia’s forests can continue to provide food, water, and opportunities for generations to come.
