The tents that the environment ministry is providing for the community are being built in Khmer-style. The tents are described as ‘modern, hygienic and aesthetically’. Construction began on December 2. Environment ministry
Construction of ten Khmer-style tent houses was begun on Monday, December 2, in the protected natural area of Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap province.
Located within the Preah Jayavarman-Norodom Kulen National Park, the project aims to promote forest conservation and improve community livelihoods through eco-tourism development.
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The tent houses are part of the Cambodian Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP), implemented by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Rural Development, funded by the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
“The tourist tents are designed in a Khmer style with modern features, ensuring cleanliness, comfort and harmony with nature. They will cater to both local and international visitors who are interested in camping and exploring the surrounding forests, ancient temples, cultural and historical sites, and other natural attractions on Kulen Mountain,” explained an environment ministry statement.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth visited the area, meeting with local authorities, partners and community members in the Prey Thom-Anlong Thom protected area on November 30. He emphasised the community's vital role in forest protection and conservation while also highlighting its potential for eco-tourism development, including camping, relaxation and cultural exploration.
“The natural protected area on Kulen Mountain is home to dense forests and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for camping near waterfalls and visiting the numerous temples within the forest,” he said.
Established in 2001, the Prey Thom-Anlong Thom community spans approximately 365 hectares in Anlong Thom village, located in Svay Leu district’s Knong Phnom commune.
Environment ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said on December 2 that as of 2024, Cambodia has 193 natural protected area communities, encompassing over 330,000 hectares of forest in 15 provinces. They are home to a total of 73,149 households.
Of those, he added, over 50 communities have potential for eco-tourism, with about 30 actively generating income through natural tourism.
Nhorn Much, a member of the Prey Thom-Anlong Thom community, expressed his hopes that initiatives like the new tent houses will improve the livelihoods of mountain communities.
He noted growing tourist interest in the area and highlighted how government support is helping local people to transition from forest-based livelihoods to tourism services.
“Residents have been actively involved in preventing deforestation and replanting trees to enhance forest cover,” Much added.
The environment ministry continues to develop eco-tourism goals aligned with government policies and strategies. The focus includes providing knowledge, skills and livelihoods for community members, such as animal husbandry and mixed farming, while promoting eco-tourism in protected areas, the statement explained.
Following his December 1 visit to Siem Reap province’s Kampong Phluk eco-tourism community in Prasat Bakong district, Prime Minister Hun Sen proposed several support measures for the community.
Based on feedback from community members, including the boat operators who serve tourists, the prime minister approved an 8-kilometre asphalt road to improve travel and reduce dust. Additionally, he announced plans to construct a new community ticket office and provide more waste bins to enhance sanitation and environmental care in the area.
