Empowering Women Forest Defenders in Cambodia

From July to December 2025, community-led patrols across four provinces in Cambodia showed a clear shift—women stepping forward as leaders in protecting natural resources and strengthening community action.

During this period, 124 participants joined forest patrols and 30 joined river patrols, including women, youth, and Indigenous community members. Women who once hesitated to take public roles are now actively patrolling forests, monitoring rivers, and working alongside men and local leaders to safeguard their environment.

These patrols were not only about protection. They became spaces for learning, courage, and cooperation. Women gained practical skills in teamwork, navigation, and community coordination. In several areas, they helped identify and remove illegal wildlife traps and contributed to reducing harmful activities affecting both forests and rivers.

Despite challenges such as difficult terrain, weather conditions, and restricted access in some areas, communities adapted and supported one another to complete their patrols. This reflects growing local ownership and resilience.

The impact goes beyond conservation. Women are gaining confidence, visibility, and respect within their communities. Their leadership is strengthening collective action, improving dialogue, and building a more inclusive approach to protecting shared natural resources.

Your support is helping communities not only protect their environment, but also transform who leads that protection.