Lessons learned from policy engagement for community rights within protected areas of Cambodia

Cambodia’s Indigenous and local communities have been affected by the expansion of protected areas that overlap with their customary lands. Legal provisions that promote co-management of forests have opened space for more inclusive forms of forest management but have been deficient in securing land tenure or providing viable livelihoods for local communities. In response to these challenges, the Mekong Regional Land Governance Project (MRLG) supported a coalition of civil society organisations – the Customary Tenure Alliance – to influence policy and practice aimed at strengthening community tenure rights within protected areas. This case study highlights strategies, challenges and lessons learned from the 10-year engagement of MRLG and its partners in shaping policies related to the Environment and Natural Resources Code, the Law on Protected Areas, and related sub-legislation.