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Community Forest Management and REDD+: Pathways to Effective Implementation, Livelihood Improvement, and Climate Change Adaptation in Cambodia

Author

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  • Chaly Y

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4414, New Zealand)

  • Karen F. Hytten

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4414, New Zealand)

  • Diane Pearson

    (School of Agriculture and Environment, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4414, New Zealand)

Abstract

Community Forest Management (CFM) and REDD+ projects have emerged as key strategies for promoting environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. This review explores the effectiveness of incorporating free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), safeguard principles, grievance redress mechanisms, and benefit-sharing mechanisms into CFM and REDD+ in Cambodia, with a focus on enhancing communities’ livelihoods and climate change adaptation. This paper synthesizes findings from recent literature on CFM and REDD+ in Cambodia and internationally, analyzing key case studies, policy frameworks, and community engagement strategies. Findings suggest that while REDD+ projects offer potential economic and ecological benefits, challenges related to land tenure, equity in benefit-sharing, and community participation remain. This review highlights the need for stronger community engagement, a robust conflict management structure, clear land tenure policies, equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, and more climate change adaptation activities to ensure the success of CFM and REDD+ projects in Cambodia and the Global South.

Suggested Citation

  • Chaly Y & Karen F. Hytten & Diane Pearson, 2025. "Community Forest Management and REDD+: Pathways to Effective Implementation, Livelihood Improvement, and Climate Change Adaptation in Cambodia," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-28, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:1122-:d:1660992
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