Understanding management of Community Zones in the Northern Plains

Cambodia’s protected areas comprise four distinct zones. According to the 2008 protected area law, the community zone is where communities and indigenous peoples with existing activities in the protected area can make use of land for their own purposes, such as for farming and residence. However, it is not specified how land in the community zone should be managed and used, or what criteria should be applied. To inform the management of these zones, it is important to understand which actors and factors are involved in currently shaping access to land in these zones, as well as the perspectives of different stakeholders.We conducted research to better understand the ways in which residents and local authorities are accessing and managing land in one community zone in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, northern Cambodia. Over a period of five months, we visited three villages located inside the community zone and interviewed 60 households to understand their histories of land use. We also spoke with key informants, including key community members, local authorities, and officials from the departments of environment and land management, to better understand local perspectives on management of the community zone. Finally, we conducted focus group discussions and interviews to explore potential options for community zone management.

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