Cambodia is stepping up efforts to make environmental protection and local economic development work together through a three part strategy focused on protecting forests, expanding green cover and developing community based ecotourism. Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth outlined the approach in an interview with Khmer Times, saying the government wants protected natural areas to remain environmentally healthy while also creating sustainable income opportunities for communities living nearby.
The strategy comes as Cambodia strengthens its position as a nature tourism destination. U.S. News & World Report ranked Cambodia first in Southeast Asia and 17th globally for ecotourism, while also placing the country first globally for its natural environment and land and resource sustainability. These rankings highlight Cambodia’s potential, but the government’s challenge is to ensure growing tourism does not undermine the natural resources that attract visitors in the first place.
“Cambodia is pursuing a three part approach that connects forest protection, large scale tree planting and community based ecotourism. The strategy is designed to turn natural resources into a long term source of both environmental protection and local income. Authorities are using satellite imagery and drones to strengthen monitoring, while around 10 million tree saplings have been distributed free over the past three years. At the same time, communities near protected areas are being encouraged to manage tourism destinations and benefit directly from visitors. The government believes this connection between conservation and livelihoods can create a lasting cycle in which healthy forests attract visitors, tourism generates income and communities become stronger partners in protecting nature.”
Forest Protection Remains the First Priority
Sophalleth said protecting Cambodia’s existing forests remains the primary objective. To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry of Environment is supporting provincial environment departments with clearer boundary maps and modern monitoring technology.
“We are strengthening the capacity of provincial departments of environment by providing clear demarcation maps and using modern technology, including satellite imagery and drones, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of monitoring, prevention and law enforcement,” he said.
Satellite imagery and drones give authorities additional tools for monitoring protected areas, identifying illegal activities and responding to forest destruction and encroachment. For Cambodia’s protected landscapes, stronger monitoring is particularly important as pressure on natural resources and tourism activity continues to evolve.
Ten Million Saplings Aim to Expand Cambodia’s Green Cover
The government’s environmental strategy goes beyond protecting forests that already exist. Sophalleth said Cambodia also needs to increase its overall green cover through wider tree planting and forest restoration.
“Protecting our existing forests is not enough; we must also expand our green cover,” he said.
Over the past three years, around 10 million tree saplings have been distributed free of charge to residents, schools, pagodas and local organisations. The initiative is intended to encourage participation beyond government institutions and turn tree planting into a broader national effort.
“Through this initiative, we want tree planting and forest restoration to become a nationwide movement in which everyone can participate,” Sophalleth said. “Protecting existing forests and planting more trees must go hand in hand.”
The approach could also support Cambodia’s longer term environmental ambitions by encouraging communities and institutions to take a more active role in restoring green areas.
Community Tourism Links Conservation With Income
The third part of the strategy focuses on developing green tourism destinations within protected areas and placing local residents closer to the centre of tourism management and revenue generation.
The Ministry of Environment has highlighted several examples, including a meditation site in Preah Suramarit Kossamak Kirirom National Park, a campsite in Jayavarman Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park and visitor infrastructure at the Knorng Psar ecotourism site in Kampong Speu province.
The underlying idea is that communities are more likely to protect forests and natural resources when they directly benefit from keeping those areas healthy and attractive to visitors.
“Our principle is simple: when communities benefit from nature, they have a stronger incentive to protect nature,” Sophalleth said.
Tourism Revenue Could Strengthen Local Conservation
Giving communities an economic stake in ecotourism can create incentives to maintain tourism facilities, protect wildlife and prevent environmental damage. Instead of treating conservation and development as separate priorities, the strategy seeks to make them mutually reinforcing.
“When communities have ownership and can generate sustainable income from visitors, they have a direct interest in taking care of the facilities, keeping their surroundings clean, protecting forests and wildlife, and preventing activities that destroy the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend,” he said.
This model could provide opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs involved in accommodation, food services, guiding, transportation, outdoor activities and other visitor services. As destinations attract more tourists, local economic activity can expand while communities retain a direct interest in protecting the environment that supports tourism.
“As green destinations attract more visitors, they can create jobs, generate income and improve local livelihoods,” Sophalleth said.
“In return, stronger communities become our partners in protecting forests, wildlife, biodiversity and the wider environment.
“This is how we link conservation with development,” he said. “We do not have to choose between protecting nature and improving people’s livelihoods. We can make the two support each other.”
Cambodia Sees Growing Potential in Nature Tourism
Cambodia’s forests, mountains, waterfalls and wetlands provide a strong foundation for nature based travel. The country’s international ecotourism rankings reinforce the potential of these natural assets to attract visitors looking for experiences beyond traditional cultural and heritage tourism.
However, greater tourism activity also makes responsible management increasingly important. Natural destinations depend on healthy ecosystems, clean surroundings and effective protection of wildlife and forests. If tourism grows without appropriate safeguards, the environmental qualities that attract visitors could face greater pressure.
The government’s strategy therefore seeks to position conservation itself as part of Cambodia’s tourism value proposition. By developing destinations that are environmentally responsible while generating benefits for residents, Cambodia hopes to build a tourism model capable of supporting both communities and ecosystems over the long term.
A Long Term Vision for Cambodia’s Natural Resources
Sophalleth described the government’s vision as one that connects environmental protection with national development and future prosperity.
“Our vision is therefore clear: Protect nature, expand our green cover, and develop green destinations that provide sustainable benefits to communities,” Sophalleth said.
“In this way, Cambodia’s natural resources can be protected while becoming a source of pride, livelihoods and prosperity for our people today and for generations to come.”
The strategy also supports the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which targets carbon neutrality and 60 per cent forest cover by 2050. This places forest conservation, restoration and sustainable tourism within a broader national development agenda.
Ecotourism Could Become a Stronger Local Business Opportunity
Cambodia’s approach presents an opportunity to develop tourism around natural assets while creating economic activity outside major urban and heritage destinations. Community participation could help spread tourism income to areas where traditional economic opportunities are more limited.
For investors and entrepreneurs, the emerging ecotourism market could create space for responsible businesses that provide quality experiences while respecting environmental and community needs. The strongest long term opportunities are likely to be those that treat conservation as part of the business model rather than an obstacle to growth.
Cambodia’s three part strategy ultimately rests on a straightforward principle: protecting nature and improving livelihoods do not have to compete with each other. If forests are protected, green cover expands and communities benefit directly from responsible tourism, natural resources can become a lasting economic asset rather than simply a resource to be consumed.