Grootaert Patrick (RBINS) - 2004-2007

Biodiversity assessment in three protected areas in northwest Cambodia (2004 - 2007) 

Promoted by: Dr. P. Grootaert (RBINS)

Local Partners: Sam Veasna Centre for Wildlife Conservation, a NGO based near the historical site of Angkor Vat (a tourist hotspot).

Identified taxonomic impediment: taxonomic and curatorial expertise for insects is missing in Cambodia leading to a noteworthy lack of understanding of the ecological roles of insects (e.g. in pollination, as vectors for diseases, etc.).

Objectives: Initiate the inventory of Cambodia’s biodiversity at three key sites in northwest Cambodia:Angkor (degraded semi-evergreen forest), Ang Tropeang Thmor (wet grasslands) and Prek Toal, Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve (freshwater swamp forest) and provide the needed biological material to set up a didactical center for the large public.  

Poverty reduction components: Gained taxonomic capacity, both in terms of human capacity and collections, will arm SVC staff to better manage biodiversity at the three test sites (and beyond), but will also enable them to successfully guide visitors (scientists and the lay-man alike).  

Scientific capacity building: The project delivered a preliminary species list, allowing the comparative study of biodiversity features between three distinct lowland habitats.

Human Capacity Building: several scientists aptly trained in entomology, enabling the pursuit of inventories.

Institutional Capacity Building: Sam Veasna Centre for Wildlife Conservation upgraded regarding scientific methodology and tools to collect, preserve, classify and identify invertebrate specimens with special focus on the technical capacity. Representative sample of specimens  stored and displayed at the Sam Veasna Center for didactical purpose.

Flanked by the cultural heritage site of Angkor, taxonomic capacity in Cambodia is installed.