AKP Phnom Penh, March 05, 2026 --

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said it welcomed its President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Adam Falk for a field visit this week to conservation and nature-based tourism initiatives in Cambodia supported by Sam Veasna Conservation Stays and WCS Cambodia.

According to a WCS’ statement, the visit began at the Jahoo Gibbon Camp, a community-run ecotourism site that helps protect forests while providing sustainable livelihoods for the Indigenous Bunong community. During the trip, the delegation observed the critically endangered southern yellow-cheeked gibbon in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.

The delegation later travelled to visit Kriel Lodge in Tmat Paeuy Community Protected Area in Kulen Prumtep Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the last strongholds for some of Cambodia’s rarest bird species, where the group stayed during the visit.

While in the area, the team also learned about IBIS Rice, an organic “wildlife-friendly” rice initiative under which local farmers receive premium prices for rice and other crops in exchange for protecting forests and wildlife habitats.

The field tour also included visits to ancient temples scattered across the Kulen Promtep landscape. 

Guided by lead guide Mardy from Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, the group witnessed a rare sighting of three Giant Ibis—Cambodia’s national bird—observed calling, feeding and in flight.

During his two-day visit, Dr. Adam also met with the project’s field staff to explore the ways REDD+ has contributed to empowering local Indigenous communities and protecting endangered wildlife. Moreover, he visited the newly-built restaurant, staircase, and walkway, which the project funded at a community-owned ecotourism site at Leng Kao Waterfall in Andoung Kraleoung village.

By K. Rithy Reak