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Payment for Ecosystem Services, Cambodia
 The Chumnoab community in the 400,000 hectare Cardamoms protected forest of Cambodia consists of 73 families, who were destroying some 40 hectares of “protected” forest annually by swidden farming, as well as hunting rare animals. The basic problem was lack of other economic opportunities. A project by Conservation International sought to prevent further destruction of the protected area and help the community to satisfy its needs as identified through the project—food security through rice production, teachers who would remain at the school, and income-earning opportunities.
An agreement was reached with the community to demarcate and protect a 20,000 hectare area, in which deforestation and hunting were banned so that the full ecosystem services of the area would be restored. Patrols were set up to enforce the protection.
In payment, Conservation International supported the community’s identified needs. As well as wages for conservation activities, the organization provided training in best agricultural practices. It also provided buffalos and agricultural tools. Rice production increased fourfold, teachers were paid to stay for full school years, and school attendance improved. The agricultural training enabled community members to diversify their sources of income.
Annual cost of the Chumnoab agreement is $30,000. To scaleup the work, a $2 million trust fund would conserve the entire Cardamoms protected area into perpetuity. To conserve all Cambodia’s nominally protected areas could cost $75 million per year, the bulk of which could come from emerging international funds related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for protecting biological diversity.
CI provided wages for conservation activities and training in agricultural best practices. |
Rare animals, like the Siamese crocodile, were also protected. |
Rice production increased fourfold and school attendance increased because teachers were being paid to stay at the school. |
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