The status and conservation effor for PAs System in Cambodia

For meeting and information sharing

1. Protected Areas and Conservation Efforts in Cambodia Chhin Sophea Lim Somaly Neab Samneang Oeun Koemoun

2. Content 1. Overview of Protected Areas 2. Major Protected Areas in Cambodia 3. Conservation Efforts and Strategies 4. Achievements 5. Challenges and Gaps in Protected Area Management 6. Future Directions 

3. 1. Overview of Protected Areas (PA) in Cambodia 1925: Angkor National Park was established covering 10,800ha marking the beginning of national parks in the region. 1953-1970: 9 PAs (3 NP and 6 WS) have been created over 12% of the total area 1970-1979: The Civil War posed significant threats to biodiversity and citizens; forest areas became battles and refugees 1993: 23 PAs, over 18% of the country was established Now: 73 Pas (including corridors) over 41% of the country

4. 2. Majors Protected Areas in Cambodia North of Tonle Sap (Ex.Kulen National Park) South of Tonle Sap (Card a mom M ounta i ns) North Mekong (Ex.Keo Seima WS) Sea Area (Ex. Koh Rong MNP)

5. 3. Conservation Efforts and Strategies PENTAGONAL STRATEGY-PHASE​​ I 2024-2028: Pentagon 4. Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Development CIRCULAR STRATEGY ON ENVIRONMENT 2023-2028: Clean, Green and Sustainable NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN 2017-2031: “ Cambodia’s protected area system contributes to the country’s economy and sustainable development, including poverty reduction, through the conservation and sustainable use of its biological, natural and cultural resources and other ecosystem services ” CODE OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 2023: a comprehensive legal framework aimed at addressing environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and promoting ecological balance NBSAP 2016: Includes several key goals aimed at protecting and enhancing the country’s biodiversity

6. 3. Conservation Efforts and Strategies (Cont.) 4 Strategic Objectives (SOs) of the National Protected Area Strategic Management Plan 2017-2031

7. 4. Achievements Most of Cambodia’s national targets are in line with Aichi Biodiversity Targets without being the same and all are significant progress The rate of forest cover decline slowed down between 2014 and 2016 (decline of 0.67% annually) as compared to 2010 and 2014 (decline of 1.90/year) Exceeded expectations in establishing new protected areas, terrestrial (41%) as well as marine, and corridors to ensure that the protected area system is well connected Biodiversity has been integrated into the development plan for both government and private sectors. Source: Cambodia 6 National Report to CBD 2019 5) On track to exceed target; 4) on track to achieve target, 3) progress but at an insufficient rate; 2) no significant change; 1) moving away from target and 0) unknown  

8. 5. Challenges and Gaps in Protected Area Management Lack of boundary demarcation (land registration), management and zoning plans to clearly identify and protect core and conservation zones inside protected areas; Difficulties of ensuring the sustained reduction or eradication of illegal activities; Limited contributions of existing protected areas to local rural livelihoods; Complexities of resolving land use conflicts in and around protected areas; Limited collaboration between Ministries; Insufficient technical training of Rangers and protected area staff; and, Inadequate government funding to maintain effective management of protected areas. In 2018, the overall biodiversity expenditure: was US$112 million (KHR 453 billion), 2% of the overall national budget expenditure or about 0.5% of GDP To achieve the biodiversity targets mentioned in the NBSAP, the total required budget is around $301 million, which is around 7.4% of Cambodia’s GDP There is a lack of financial resources about $135 million to achieve the biodiversity target as listed in the NBSAP. Source: NPSASMP 2017-2031 Cambodian Biofin Phase-1, 2020

9. 6. Future Directions  Suggested policy reforms to strengthen protected area management: Commit to 60% of forest cover in 2050 (Green strategy); all legal instruments stated in the Code of Environment and Natural Resources are developed and implemented Importance of expanding the network of protected areas Enhancing research and data collection for better management decisions. Promoting education and awareness programs about biodiversity conservation Looking for financial options

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