Training youth to lead forest and wildlife conservation in Cambodia and Lao PDR

RECOFTC’s ‘Youth as guardians of the forest’ project is working to leverage existing youth networks in Cambodia and Lao PDR among urban and rural youth champions. We provide youth training and opportunities to convene and campaign on issues related to community forestry, sustainable forest management practices, forest conservation and the impact of forest and wildlife crimes. The project is currently working with 17 youth champions from Cambodia and 18 from Lao PDR.

In July 2025, we brought our Cambodian youth champions together in Phnom Penh to participate in the ‘Natural resource management in the context of community forestry and community protected forest’ training. Earlier, in June 2025, we had brought youth champions from Lao PDR together to attend the ‘Youth leadership in forest and wildlife conservation’ training. Both events were designed as interactive trainings to ensure high interest and energy from youth champions.

Supporting a new generation of young leaders

‘Youth as guardians of the forest’ is supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through generous funding provided by the Government of Canada. The project focuses on supporting a new generation of young leaders to advocate against illegal forest activities. The trainings in Lao PDR and Cambodia focused on natural resource management in the context of community forestry and protected areas.

At both events, participants were immersed in group discussions, stakeholder mapping exercises and interactive learning sessions. Our youth champions explored how forest governance works from village to provincial levels, mapped out key stakeholders and reflected on their roles and leadership potential within sustainable landscape management. They also discussed the barriers they face – including issues related to gender, geographical reach and limited access to information – and ways to move forward.

Training in Cambodia

The training explored community management structures, roles, and policy and regulation support from community forests and community protected areas. It also featured a field visit to O Poung Roung, a community forest located in Salavisay commune, Prasat Balang district in Kampong Thom Province.

The youth champions were able to interact with the chief of the community forest committee, Chhuon Bunchhorng. They learned about the history of the community and their management mechanisms.

During discussions sessions, conserving forest and wildlife and ensuring continued access to non-timber forest products emerged as key priorities for our youth champions.

Training in Lao PDR

The training provided knowledge and information on the principles and practices of forest governance in Lao PDR, enhancing the youth’s understanding of the country’s current challenges.

We focused on developing problem-solving and leadership skills among our participants. There was an intersectional session where participants reflected on the interconnected challenges they face and discussed practical strategies to overcome them.

Additionally, during a panel discussion, forestry officials and conservation experts shared their real-life insights about forest protection, engaging communities and the impact of youth-led campaigns.

Platforms for learning and sharing

Our youth champions met villagers working to protect their forests and wildlife and heard from forestry and environmental workers working closely with communities. These experiences, they said, have made them more interested in learning more about ensuring community involvement in forest management. At the Lao PDR training, Pamie Sisomchit, a participant, said, “This experience has helped me better understand the forest management system, where I can make a change.” Other participants expressed an interest in using their social media skills to help promote eco-tourism. They noted that they were eager to take the knowledge and inspiration they gained back to their communities.

The ‘Youth as guardians of the forest’ project will continue to provide youth essential technical knowledge and peer support to conduct campaigns and advocate against illegal forest activities. Upcoming trainings will focus on developing communication products based on youth interests. They will be built around co-learning and exchange, ensuring that youth have the tools they need needed to help build stronger, more sustainable communities.

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Chinda and Theara are communication officers at RECOFTC Lao PDR and RECOFTC Cambodia respectively.

The ‘Youth as guardians of the forest’ project aims to create a new generation of forest guardians in Cambodia and Lao PDR. It focuses on enhancing youth awareness about forest conservation, wildlife and forest crimes and sustainable forest management practices.