Background
Community protected area management in Cambodia integrates local natural-resource governance with basic tourism and visitor infrastructure to link conservation outcomes and community livelihoods. As of 2026, the Ministry of Environment has supported the establishment of 194 community protected area groups covering 332,174 hectares and involving 73,237 households.
The ministry’s program has helped some communities develop community-based nature tourism as an alternative income source tied to conservation. Fifty-three community groups operate community-based nature tourism services with 22,414 member households across 108 villages, 54 communes, 32 districts and 14 provinces, and recorded 342,025 domestic visitors and 6,065 international guests in the first five months of 2026.
Key Developments
The Ministry of Environment has supported community planning, legal recognition and coordination with relevant partners to enable infrastructure and service delivery at community tourism sites. Infrastructure measures promoted for community sites include parking, food stalls, toilets and clean-water facilities, trails and directional signage, camping areas, homestays and community performance venues.
Institutional Role
The Ministry provides legal and coordination support to establish and manage community protected-area groups and facilitates capacity-building for local management. Capacity-building activities reported include hospitality and guide training, basic food and beverage operations, and waste management training with a particular focus on reducing plastic waste.
Market Impact
Community-run tourism at supported sites has generated direct revenue and local jobs linked to conservation management. Ticket sales at community sites exceeded USD 300,000 in the reported five-month period, excluding additional visitor spending on food, transport, guides and accommodation, and community tourism activities have created approximately 4,400 direct jobs.
Source
Ministry of Environment social media post, published 14 June 2026: source.
