The program's impact on the community extends beyond financial benefits. During the nesting season, Phai Nai and her husband earn more than $250 each month, significantly improving their family's quality of life and allowing them to provide better education for their children. Their involvement in eco-tourism, guiding bird-watching tours with Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, exemplifies the multifaceted benefits of conservation efforts.

This supplements their income, promotes sustainable tourism, and fosters a broader appreciation of their natural heritage. WCS's partnership with various governmental bodies has been pivotal in biodiversity conservation. The program, which expanded to the Keo Seima REDD+ project area in 2017, has notably increased the number of Lesser Adjutant nests from 11 in 2018 to 41 in 2023, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing community engagement and awareness in conservation efforts.

Vandoeun Sot, WCS Cambodia's Wildlife Monitoring Coordinator, emphasizes the critical role of collective action in preserving endangered species. This vision aligns with global environmental challenges, highlighting the need for community-driven approaches to ensure the survival of these species and the well-being of local communities.

The story of Phai Nai's family illustrates a practical yet profound transformation through their role as nest guardians. Their income from protecting the rare Ibis nest enabled them to improve their family’s living conditions and educate their children, showing a direct link between environmental stewardship and personal well-being. This experience highlights how sustainable practices in the forest aid conservation efforts and offer viable livelihoods, underlining the interconnectedness of ecological health and community prosperity.

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