Many of Cambodia's protected areas and other important wildlife areas are home to local communities who have been present in that area for many generations, and are dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods. The conservation of wildlife and other biodiversity therefore depends on providing these communities with an incentive to engage in natural resource management.
WCS conservationists work with community leaders to develop ways people can use their land and water to generate income while promoting natural resource conservation. These activities are focused on areas such as farming and ecotourism, and are underpinned by efforts to enable local people to gain legal title to their land.