Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Project

closed

Within the strategic objective for sustainable uses, and management of natural resources, the project will assist in achieving long-term utilization of Cambodia's natural resources, particularly its mountain forest ecosystems, through the improvement of the Ministry of Environment's capacity to plan, implement, and monitor effectively, the National Protected Areas. The components call for: 1) national policy, and capacity building activities, to initiate the Ministry of Environment in developing its strategy, for the National Protected Areas system. Financing would include a comprehensive review of its current management systems, and implementation of ranger training programs. Sustainable financing will be included for the formulation of the entire protected areas systems, as well as for the development of management planning guidelines. Legal and regulatory constraints will be reviewed, and public awareness reinforced, through related educational programs; 2) support of basic management needs, through park infrastructure financing, management planning, and staff development programs. The financing includes community education, and, outreach programs for park protection activities; 3) community development in park management, conducting natural resource and social assessments, for better livelihood practices; and, 4) project management, to support the overall work program, and financial management.