Description

Nestled in the dense forests of eastern Cambodia, the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS) is a haven for wildlife and a vital resource for the Indigenous Bunong people. Spanning over 290,000 hectares, the protected area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the world's largest population of black-shanked douc and yellow-cheeked crested gibbon, and 84 globally threatened species. The KSWS also holds cultural significance for the Indigenous Bunong people, whose lives and culture revolve around the forest. Unfortunately, the area is under a high threat of deforestation due to forest conversion for agriculture and illegal logging. Key Highlights: - The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project (KSWS REDD+), launched in 2010, is a collaboration between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). - The project has prevented the release of more than 20 million tons of CO2e emissions and saved 25,000 hectares of forest from destruction. - KSWS REDD+ has created jobs, supported education and training initiatives, and established an ecotourism venture that supports local communities. - The Cash for Communities (C4C) program, a mechanism that shares the revenue of carbon credits sales, has distributed nearly $1 million to local communities, who decide how to spend the funds on sustainable development activities. - The Ministry of Environment in Cambodia and the WCS are leading the project to preserve the nation's forests and protect the country's protected areas. Thanks to the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project, the deforestation of the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary has reduced significantly, and sustainable development has been promoted in the region. The project has not only saved valuable wildlife and their habitats but also supported the Indigenous Bunong people and their culture. By sharing the revenue of carbon credits sales with local communities, the project has created a sustainable source of income and empowered them to invest in their community's development. The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project is a remarkable effort that demonstrates how carbon credits can be used to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.