Overview

This is the largest carbon emission reduction program in Cambodia’s land use sector. The project protects habitat for Asia’s most threatened species including Asian elephants, gibbons, and the giant ibis. This work is part of Cambodia’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. Formalized land and resource use rights for local communities.

 

Type: REDD+, Carbon Reduction
Partner: Wildlife Conservation Society
Region/Country: Cambodia
Standard: Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (CCB)

Additional project specific information: click here.

Everland_Keo Seima_Forest (1)

KSWS is home to two ecoregions: the Annamite Mountains (notable for high levels of local endemism among evergreen forest species) and the lower Mekong dry forests (which are crucial for the survival of many species typical of lowland deciduous forests). Photo credit: Filip Agoo / Everland

166,983
hectares (412,624 acres) of protected forest are home to more than 950 wild species, including 75 globally threatened species
12,000
indigenous Bunong peoples' rights are being defended by this initiative, codifying their rights to ancestral lands and providing sustainable support for community-led initiatives
16,378,529
tons of CO2e emissions avoided to date

Climate

Tropical forests sequester vast quantities of carbon dioxide, and deforestation is one of the major causes of global carbon dioxide emissions. By avoiding deforestation, millions of carbon is kept out of the atmosphere and locked into a thriving ecosystem.
Everland_Keo Seima_Forest (2)

KSWS is home to two ecoregions: the Annamite Mountains (notable for high levels of local endemism among evergreen forest species) and the lower Mekong dry forests (which are crucial for the survival of many species typical of lowland deciduous forests). Photo credit: Filip Agoo / Everland

Community

This project provides income streams for the residents and landowners. It also provides its indigenous residents with food, fuel, building materials, and spiritual sites. The community regularly uses medicinal plants from the forest as well.

Everland_Keo Seima_Biodiversity

A cashew tree with red cashew apples. Photo credit: Filip Agoo / Everland

Biodiversity

It is home to the highest number of species record in any protected area including more than 350 bird species have been observed here. Additionally, it is a home to several different monkey species and around a quarter of Cambodia’s remaining wild elephant population. More that 15 new species have been discovered in this protected forest.

Everland_Keo Seima_Biodiversity (1)

An Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) strolling along a river (IUCN Red List: Endangered). Photo credit: Filip Agoo / Everland

Header Image: Photo credit: Filip Agoo / Everland

Learn More

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