Cambodia is a key biodiversity hotspot with a high richness of species key to conservation. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are places of international significance for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity. There are 40 IBAs in Cambodia as assessed by BirdLife International’s Cambodia Program since 2003. However, it is necessary to reassess and update their current status in order to effectively carry out conservation work. IBAs are a subset of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), sites that contribute significantly to preventing extinction globally. IBAs are identified using birds as qualifying species while KBAs are identified using a standard set of criteria applicable to plants, animals, and ecosystems. It is expected that many IBAs will also qualify as KBAs for other species groups, as well as for ecosystems of concern, based on KBA standards.
According to the Ministry of Environment, there are 46 protected areas (PAs) in Cambodia. These areas include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected landscapes, multiple used areas, Ramsar sites, cultural heritages sites, biosphere reserves, and marina parks. Most of the IBAs are under legal protection of the Ministry of Environment, as they are within national protected areas; unfortunately, economic development and land use changes have placed these key habitats under threat. The key to species conservation is the protection of their habitat, but key habitats for endangered species are under threat from agricultural land conversion, habitat degradation, invasive species, and over-exploitation. Therefore, proper zonation for natural resource management is required to minimize habitat loss. Habitat here refers to key areas within IBAs and Pas, which provide critical support for key species during their life-cycles.
Both protected area and IBAs in Cambodia are targets for NLC conservation. NLC will focus on habitats that are critically damaged and are not currently supported by conservation activities. NLC believes that by protecting habitats, we protect wildlife and prevent extinction.
Conserving critical habitats within Important Bird Areas, Key Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas.
To conserve, restore, and protect critical habitats within Important Bird Areas, Key Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas.
- Conduct inventory and update Cambodia’s IBA directory; support evaluation of criteria linking IBAs to KBAs.
- Identify, promote, restore, and protect priority key habitats for globally threatened species.
- A proper zonation management plan and a management plan for a protected area is endorsed and implemented.
- Conserve and regularly monitor threats at vulnerable IBAs.
- Support capacity building for Protected Area authorities.