This initiative is part of Cambodia’s efforts to advance ecosystem restoration and sustainable development in these critical areas, with support from the Ministry of Environment’s Least Developed Countries Fund under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented through UNDP Cambodia. Save the Earth International plays a key role by providing technical assistance in the preparation phase of the project. The focus is on developing a comprehensive approach to landscape management, combining spatial data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Overview
In this project we focus on the restoration of vital ecosystems in the Tonle Sap Basin and the Siem Reap/Phnom Kulen landscapes, which are crucial for both biodiversity and local livelihoods. The project involves producing a detailed baseline of the current environmental conditions using spatial data, facilitating consultations and surveys for an Ecosystem Restoration Intervention Analysis, and identifying capacity-building needs among local stakeholders. These efforts will contribute to a larger goal of integrated landscape management (ILM) to address both environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Additionally, the project will assess government capacity through UNDP’s capacity development scorecards and identify appropriate indicators for tracking progress, including GEF Core Indicators. The output will include a comprehensive Landscape Profile and Situation Analysis, complete with maps and spatial analysis reports, that will guide restoration efforts.
The project spans two critical ecosystems:
- Tonle Sap Basin – This region is home to Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, which supports a rich biodiversity, including fish, bird species, and unique aquatic ecosystems. The basin also supports large wetland areas that are vital for flood control and water filtration.
- Phnom Kulen and Siem Reap Landscapes – This area includes forested highlands and culturally significant landscapes. The Phnom Kulen National Park is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a sacred area with ancient ruins, waterfalls, and significant forest cover. These forests are critical for both carbon sequestration and supporting a wide range of species, including endangered wildlife. The restoration of these habitats is essential for maintaining ecosystem services, such as clean water supply, soil stability, and biodiversity conservation.
Several species, both flora and fauna, benefit from the Tonle Sap Basin and Siem Reap/Phnom Kulen Landscape project. The restoration and sustainable management of these habitats will have a positive impact on biodiversity, particularly for the following species:
Tonle Sap Basin
- Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) – Critically endangered, this species is native to the Tonle Sap area and could benefit from improved wetland management and reduced human disturbances.
- Tonle Sap Fish Species – The lake supports over 200 fish species, including economically important species like the giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) and the Mekong giant barb (Catlocarpio siamensis). The restoration of floodplains and wetlands will help preserve fish breeding grounds.
- Waterbirds – Species such as the greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius), spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), and Sarus crane (Grus antigone) rely on the wetland ecosystems for breeding and feeding. Restoration of these habitats will provide essential nesting sites and improve food availability.
Phnom Kulen and Siem Reap Landscapes
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) – These forests are part of the elephant’s historical range. Restoring forest cover could improve habitat connectivity and food sources.
- Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) – Though critically endangered and potentially locally extinct, restored forest habitats in Phnom Kulen may become suitable for future reintroduction efforts.
- Gaur (Bos gaurus) – This vulnerable species could benefit from improved forest cover and protection from poaching as a result of better ecosystem management.
- Endemic Plant Species – Restoration efforts will support rare and endemic plants like Dipterocarpus alatus and Shorea roxburghii, which play a key role in the local forest ecosystem by supporting wildlife and contributing to soil health.