Posted on September, 02 2025

This project aims to stabilize and increase globally threatened populations, especially Asian elephants, by implementing innovative conservation approaches like Wildlife Recovery Zones, improved protected area governance and human-elephant conflict management.

Cambodia’s Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL) is a key biodiversity hotspot with over 41 globally significant species, including the Asian elephant. However, habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade threaten to bring these populations to the brink. In addition, instances of human-elephant conflict (HEC), due to factors like high human disturbance and shrinking habitats, pose a danger to elephants and people.

The RECOVER project seeks to integrate local communities, especially Indigenous groups, into strengthened governance models that create equitable benefits, sustainable livelihoods and long-term conservation successes. Introducing the “Conflict to Coexistence (C2C) model” to HEC-affected villages will also reduce negative interactions with wildlife while strengthening community resilience. A fenced Wildlife Recovery Zone will also help heal populations and ecosystems while balancing the needs of nearby communities