Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and IN CAMBODIA Ecotourism Project Background Natural capital such as cropland and forest resources account for about 40 percent of Cambodia ’s wealth and contributes significantly to its economy. Agriculture contributed 27 percent of GDP in 2016 and supported the incomes of more than 5 million Cambodians. Tourism is an important engine of growth for Cambodia, with strong entry points for ecotourism, building on the country ’s considerable natural capital. A significant proportion of this natural capital is found in the Cardamom Mountains -Tonle Sap (CMTS) landscape, which includes one of the world ’s most productive freshwater fisheries and the largest protected forest in Indochina. It is a global biodiversity hotspot and supports Cambodians with income, food and water. However, pressure for land, unsustainable use of Location: Pusat, Koh Kong, natural resources, and heightened impacts of Battambang, Kampong Speu, climate change are threatening the long-term Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and sustainability of these natural assets, with Kampong Chhnang consequent adverse impacts on people. To address this challenge, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) developed a National Protected Area Strategic Financiers: Management Plan (NPASMP) for 2017–2031 and is • International Development further developing its ecotourism and non -timber Association (World Bank), forest product (NTFP) value chains to create US$50.66 million, incentives for strengthening the management of • Global Environment Facility, its natural capital and boost economic prosperity. US$4.2 million, • Royal Government of Cambodia, With a captive tourism market focused on the US$2.5 million Angkor temples, the MoE and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) are now focusing on developing management policies, regulatory frameworks, Implementing Agencies: strategies, and guidelines to expand ecotourism, • Ministry of Environment and including in the CMTS landscape. The Cambodia Ministry of Rural Development Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project and local government in the (CSLEP), financed in part by the World Bank, is seven provinces. supporting this effort. About the Project Approval Date: The project development objective is to improve management of protected areas (PAs), and to May 30, 2019 promote ecotourism opportunities and NTFP value chains in the Cardamom Mountains -Tonle Sap landscape. This will be achieved by: Closing Date: December 31, 2025 • Strengthening the capacity for PAs landscape planning and management by: (i) developing an Information System and Decision Support; (ii) preparing PAs and Community PAs management plans; and (iii) providing technical assistance on a PA enforcement Contact: framework. Werner Kornexl World Bank Task Team Leader • Strengthening opportunities for ecotourism and NTFP value chains by enhancing the E-mail: wkornexl@worldbank.org enabling environment for private sector engagement and by investing in infrastructure such as visitor centers, waste management, and NTFP processing and storage facilities. • Improving access and connectivity through the rehabilitation of rural roads and other related rural infrastructure to help in the development of ecotourism corridors and links with main markets. www.worldbank.org • Ensuring environmental, social and economic sustainability by supporting: (i) financial management and procurement; (ii) environmental and social management, (iii) revenue www.youtube.com/worldbank and fee management and implement other revenue systems and (iv) effective natural resource management system. www.twitter.com/worldbank Beneficiaries and Results The project is expected to directly benefit about 25,000 people (5,200 households) through www.facebook.com/worldbank economic opportunities and ecosystem services.