Community engagement in the governance of Cambodian recreation forests

This study investigates the institutional, socio-cultural, and environmental factors influencing community participation in recreational forest governance in Cambodia. Recreational forests, essential for promoting well-being and environmental stewardship, face governance challenges that hinder their sustainability and economic viability. Using a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated institutional, socio-cultural, and environmental factors by gathering perspectives from stakeholders across three communities—Ou Khladek, Prey Kbal Bey, and Changkran Roy—to identify specific challenges and opportunities for improvement. Key findings reveal significant differences in policy implementation and community engagement among the communities, with Changkran Roy demonstrating effective governance through robust stakeholder collaboration. Conversely, Ou Khladek and Prey Kbal Bey exhibit inconsistencies in policy execution and community involvement. Demographic and economic factors further influence forest management practices, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. Enhancing institutional frameworks, strengthening community capacities in financial management and tourist services, and fostering greater involvement of powerful yet disengaged stakeholders like the Forestry Administration are crucial. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of effective governance and sustainable management practices for recreational forests, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners.