Kampong Speu Eco-Site Development Benefits Local Residents

The Khnorng Phsar green tourism site, nestled in the Cardamom Mountains of Kampong Speu province, is emerging as a model for how local communities can directly benefit from tourism development. Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken a personal interest in the community, ensuring that investments prioritize local residents rather than outside businesses. Current infrastructure development is carefully balanced to enhance visitor accessibility and convenience while supporting local livelihoods, all without compromising the pristine natural environment that defines the area. An example of this approach is the ongoing construction of a community market and accommodation block at Darn Preah, meaning “Footprint of God” in Khmer. These facilities are strategically located away from the main camping areas and are reserved for members of the Rolak Kang Cheung Natural Resource Protection Community. Previously, two private firms expressed interest in developing the area, but their proposals were rejected in favor of ensuring that the benefits of development accrue to the local population. Currently, over 110 families are benefiting from the surge in tourism. They provide essential services such as food, camping accommodation, transportation via motorbikes, and tour guide services. "Our main strategy is to link this development to the protection of natural resources. When the community members’ livelihoods are improved, they will not go to the forest to cut trees or hunt. This makes protecting the Cardamom Mountain area, which is rich in natural resources and endangered wildlife, more effective," explained Khvay Atitya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment. Access to the highly sought-after mountain has significantly improved since Prime Minister Hun Manet visited the area last year and designated it as a “model community” for local economic development. The development extends beyond markets and accommodation, with the seven-kilometer road from the village to the mountain trailheads also being improved. According to Atitya, the government aims to ensure the community has full management of the area, with all services, from guiding to transportation, provided by community members. The Ministry of Environment is also providing training in areas such as farming, guiding, and first aid. Atitya recounted a recent incident where 500 tourists were stranded on the mountain during torrential downpours and flash floods, highlighting how community members guided them to safety. While reaching the mountain summit remains a challenging trek, typically taking two to three hours, local residents offer transportation via motorcycles or tractors. Trekkers can also opt to have their backpacks carried by porters, making the ascent more manageable. Hun Sao, the community leader for Rolak Kang Cheung since 2019, stated, "Our families take turns to deliver services to our guests. Some are in charge of tour guiding, while others cook, clean, prepare tents or even patrol the forest to protect it." He noted that approximately 95 percent of the community is now involved in tourism activities. Sao acknowledged that before the community was formed, many members engaged in forest and wildlife crimes. However, he explained that transporting tourists with their tractors can yield $30 for a round trip, and tour guides can earn $40 a day, making these activities far more economically viable than illegal logging. Sao expressed optimism that increased tourism will lead to a further reduction in forest and wildlife crimes. Uong Bun Sim, who leads the forest rangers in the area, confirmed that forest crime cases have decreased since the community's formation, though he warned that traps and snares are still regularly discovered. He has requested enhanced patrol equipment, particularly drones, to better monitor hard-to-access areas deep within the forest.