Keo Seima

Overview

Nestled within Cambodia's Mondulkiri Province, the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary project epitomizes sustainable conservation efforts and community engagement. Spanning nearly 300,000 hectares, this initiative serves as a bastion against deforestation and habitat degradation, safeguarding critical ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing legal reforms, community empowerment, and alternative livelihoods, the project addresses the root causes of environmental degradation while promoting socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation.

Environmental impact

The Keo Seima project stands as a bulwark against rampant deforestation and habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion and resource extraction. By bolstering legal mechanisms, law enforcement, and community-based conservation initiatives, the project mitigates carbon emissions and preserves vital forest ecosystems. Notably, the project's focus on securing land titles for indigenous communities ensures sustainable land management practices and fosters collaboration in conservation efforts, thereby promoting long-term environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

Social benefits

At its core, the Keo Seima project prioritizes community empowerment and socio-economic development. Through capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and livelihood diversification efforts, the project enhances the well-being of local residents while reducing dependency on forest resources. By fostering ecotourism ventures such as the Jahoo Gibbon Camp, the project generates sustainable income streams for communities, promoting inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. Moreover, investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure further contribute to improved living standards and social cohesion.

Certification

Backed by the Royal Government of Cambodia and technical expertise from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Keo Seima project boasts prestigious certifications, including the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) standard. With a Gold certification for biodiversity conservation, the project exemplifies its commitment to delivering tangible benefits to local communities and safeguarding endangered species. Led by experienced conservation professionals, the project leverages institutional capacity and strategic partnerships to achieve its conservation goals effectively and sustainably.

Documentation