Conservation

Over a decade, Rising Phoenix has developed an effective conservation model that both protects wildlife and empowers local communities, which has been described as the gold-standard for Cambodia. Through the IBIS Rice scheme, participating farmers earn premium prices for growing organic wildlife friendly jasmine rice and adopting environmentally beneficial practices - significantly increasing annual income for over 1,300 households.  Rising Phoenix has become a regional leader in species restoration and re-introduction projects including for two Critically Endangered species, the Siamese crocodile and the banteng.  Rising Phoenix has stabilized populations of five Critically Endangered bird species, including the national bird of Cambodia the giant ibis.  Rising Phoenix have pioneered wetland restoration in the dry forest, restoring over 60 ephemeral forest pools called trapeangs for the benefit of wildlife.

 

The lodge itself offers employment opportunities to a new generation of young adults, building local capacity and relieving pressure on the sanctuary by moving local income sources away from unsustainable forest exploitation. Sustainability is key to the success of our mission.  Revenue generated by the lodge is one way in which we hope to achieve this.  Your stay at Siempang Forest Lodge supports the work of Rising Phoenix and the conservation management of the site.