The goal of the project was to rehabilitate the degraded forests in the project sites to a status well stocked with high-value timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) species and/or with multifunction, and to aim for the project sites to become recognized national model on forest rehabilitation and rural livelihood improvement.

To enhance the restoration of community forests in Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces to produce timber and NTFPs to improve the livelihood of the local community.

To enhance the capacity of Forestry Administration and local communities on forest restoration.

Community nursery established in each pilot site.

Models of forest restoration plots established in each pilot site.

Knowledge and experience of multi-functional forest restoration published and disseminated to relevant stakeholders and public.

1.Forest Restoration & Community Involvement

The project successfully restored 50 ha of degraded forests (30 ha in O Soam, 20 ha in Tbeng Lench) using enrichment planting with priority species. Four 1-ha model restoration plots were established at each site. The project motivated local communities to take ownership of forest restoration, ensuring long-term commitment to sustainable forest management.

2.Capacity Building & Sustainable Livelihoods

Community nurseries and affiliated facilities were established at each project site, providing seedling production training to local communities and forest authorities. These nurseries have become an additional source of income generation, supplying seedlings to local markets, NGOs, and government agencies. For example, the O Soam nursery was contracted to provide 3,600 seedlings of six species, including fruit trees, in 2015.

3.Biodiversity & Ecosystem Benefits

The density and diversity of high-value timber species (HVT) increased through enrichment planting, enhancing forest functions. The restored forests provide non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as rattan, bamboo, and fruit trees, improving local livelihoods while contributing to forest ecosystem stability.

4.Demonstration & Knowledge Sharing

The project established forest restoration models that serve as educational sites for both local and international visitors. Local communities play a key role in sharing their knowledge and experiences with other community forests (CFs), promoting broader adoption of restoration techniques.

5.Policy Recommendations & Future Directions

The project demonstrated that community participation is key to successful forest restoration and management. Future programs should integrate livelihood improvement activities, such as wood-based enterprises and community-based ecotourism, to enhance long-term benefits. Additionally, extending the 15-year community forest (CF) contracts is recommended, as forest rehabilitation requires long-term investment, particularly for slow-growing indigenous species. Longer CF agreements would incentivize communities to invest in forest restoration with assurance of future benefits.