In Cambodia and Lao PDR, young people are building the knowledge and skills to support community forestry

The future of community forestry depends on a new generation of leaders. Through the 'Youth as guardians of the forests' project, RECOFTC is helping young people in Cambodia and Lao PDR develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to support forest conservation and engage their communities.

Since August 2024, we have worked with 34 university students, young community forest members and youth from various ethnic groups and local communities to learn about forest conservation, sustainable forest management and wildlife and forest crimes.

Building knowledge and confidence

In March 2025, we identified knowledge gaps in forest governance, wildlife law and community forestry knowledge in Cambodia and Lao PDR. Alongside barriers such as language, connectivity and access to learning opportunities, these findings helped shape our approach from the outset.

Our trainings used local languages, practical exercises and field-based learning. Four workshops covering forest governance, ecology, public speaking and facilitation increased participants' knowledge assessment scores by 42 per cent in Cambodia and 46 per cent in Lao PDR.

Learning from communities

Youth were able to learn directly from community forestry practitioners through field visits. In July 2025, Cambodian youth visited a community in O Poung Roung, where they learned about community patrols, credit funds and ecotourism. 

The exchange also highlighted the value of peer learning. Soam Lisa, a youth forest guardian from Changkran Roy Community Forest, shared how her community highlights rare species such as the coral-billed ground cuckoo (Carpococcyx renauldi) to attracts birdwatchers, prompting discussion among the O Poung Roung committee about similar opportunities. 

In Lao PDR, youth visited Phonsong village in August 2025, where they learned about community patrols, silviculture and forest regulations before practising how to communicate these approaches as community forest guides. 

Such engagement is helping young people build the confidence to become advocates for community forestry. Tikso, a Lao youth forest guardian, tells us, “Changing mindsets is difficult and it takes time. But I hope to be part of the effort to shift young people’s attitudes towards environmental conservation.” 

As RECOFTC takes our regional youth engagement work forward, insights and lessons from the project are helping shape how we support and invest in the next generation of community forestry leaders in the Asia-Pacific.