Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, covering over 409,000 hectares in northern Cambodia, is one of the country’s largest protected areas and a key biodiversity stronghold in the northern plains. The landscape comprises dry dipterocarp and semi‑evergreen forests, riparian corridors, seasonal wetlands, and grasslands associated with the Memey River system. This habitat diversity underpins exceptional biodiversity, including globally significant populations of threatened species such as the Masked Finfoot, Sarus Crane, Giant Ibis, and several vulture species, making the site a priority area for regional and global conservation.

 

The sanctuary provides critical ecosystem services, including freshwater provision, flood regulation, carbon storage, and food production, supporting livelihoods based on fishing, rice cultivation, non‑timber forest products, and nature‑based tourism. However, deforestation, land encroachment, illegal activities, pollution, and climate‑related risks threaten ecosystem integrity. Strengthening site management and enforcement, restoring degraded habitats, mobilizing sustainable financing, and expanding biodiversity‑friendly livelihood options offer key pathways to build resilience while safeguarding long‑term ecological and socio‑economic benefits.