Welcome to the Southern cardamom Mountains, your Getaway to a Green Adventure!!
The tension between economic development and the sustainable management of forests, wildlife, and natural resources in the rural and protected areas of Southeast Asia is a momentous challenge. Illegal logging, hunting, and clearing for farms threaten the species and the integrity of the forest ecosystems and watersheds. Illegal activities are caused both by poverty and by commercial exploitation of natural resources. International demand for wildlife and wildlife products also contribute the destruction of biodiversity
To address the drivers of deforestation and the demand for wildlife on a local level, the Chi Phat and Trapeang Rung communities, with financial and technical assistant from Wildlife Alliance and its partners and donors, have initiated and developed Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) projects in both communities. These CBET projects aim to provide villagers with economically and ecologically sustainable income opportunities from tourism and help them protect the biodiversity and natural resources of their region against illegal logging, wildlife poaching, and land encroachment, while providing tourists with a unique green adventure in some rarely visited rural villages in the Southern Cardamoms.
This project was developed in a participatory process engaging the whole community. The pros and cons of ecotourism were discussed with the communities and ideas were shared among stakeholders, consultants, and communities. Once agreement was reached on proceeding forward, the goal, objectives, vision, products, and rules and regulations were developed by the communities.
The CBET projects are led by the democratically elected CBET committees composed of active community members, with consultation and support of different experts and stakeholders.
CBET Goal:
Community-based ecotourism in Chi Phat and Trapeang Rung communes aims to support protection of the natural and cultural resources of the area and create job and income opportunities for villagers through the development of community-based ecotourism products and activities, providing training and alternative livelihoods to hunters, loggers, and non-timber forest products (NTFP) collectors, as well as improving commune infrastructure and public facilities.
CBET Objectives:
To conserve natural resources
To preserve local culture
To improve local communities’ livelihoods
To exchange tourists’ and locals’ cultures
To empower local communities (to manage CBET independently)
CBET vision of Chi Phat:
CBET vision of Trapeang Rung:
"... We, the people of Trapeang Rung commune, want to see a CBET project that: is owned, well-managed, and operated by ourselves; is developed in a democratic manner with support from our partners and stakeholders; will help to conserve natural and culture resources; will support infrastructure improvement; and will generate job opportunities in ecotourism to benefit locals and reduce poverty. Finally, we want our community to become a good model of sustainable development for other communities and new generations..."
We welcome you and hope you enjoy your stay! Your visit directly supports conservation of forests and wildlife as well as poverty alleviation
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