One of Southeast Asia’s largest forest conservation projects protecting tropical biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions.
The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, located in southwest Cambodia, is one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious and impactful forest conservation initiatives. Spanning over 445,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, this project is designed to protect one of the last remaining intact rainforests in the region. It plays a vital role in preventing deforestation, conserving biodiversity, and delivering measurable benefits to the climate, local communities, and ecosystems.
Covering protected areas across multiple provinces, the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project is one of the largest REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiatives in Southeast Asia.
Verified Standards and Climate Impact
The project is registered under:
- Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
- Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCBS)
- Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta)
Implemented by Wildlife Alliance in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, the project is expected to prevent millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions by halting illegal logging, land conversion, and other drivers of forest degradation.
Addressing Misconceptions with Verified Results
In 2024, an independent verification process confirmed that allegations by Human Rights Watch claiming the project displaced local communities were inaccurate. Instead, the project proponent, Wildlife Alliance, has facilitated the voluntary relocation of former poachers and illegal loggers—providing 1.5 acres of arable land per household and agricultural support to enable sustainable livelihoods outside the protected forest area.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) Rangers, as part of their legal mandate, have confiscated items such as chainsaws (illegal within protected areas), motorbikes, snares, and harvested timber as part of active forest protection efforts.
Community Development and Biodiversity Protection
The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project delivers significant co-benefits to local communities and ecosystems:
- Supports local healthcare access and infrastructure
- Enhances educational opportunities in remote communities
- Protects vital watersheds, ensuring clean water for both local residents and downstream users
- Conserves critical habitats for endangered and vulnerable species across the rainforest ecosystem
This large-scale forest preservation initiative exemplifies strong partnerships between Wildlife Alliance, the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, local communities, and Verra international standards bodies—driving meaningful progress toward sustainable development and climate resilience.
