Background

Cambodia supports a rich biodiversity but is one of the least known countries worldwide. In addition to forming an important part of the Indo-Burma Hotspot, containing four Global 200 Ecoregions and 40 Important Bird Areas, it possesses many of the best remaining forests and wetlands in mainland Southeast Asia, with countless endemic and globally threatened species. In recognition of the global importance of this biodiversity, the Royal Government of Cambodia has dedicated 25% of the country to conservation, one of the highest levels anywhere in the world.

While knowledge of Cambodian biodiversity remains limited, recent years have seen an astonishing rise in the number of species documented (Daltry, 2008; 2011). Most of this research has been led by international biologists however, due to the chronic shortage of Cambodian scientists. As a consequence, Cambodia’s current ability to manage its natural heritage is severely hampered both by a lack of skilled people and biological information.

As the country moves towards greater development and prosperity, there needs to be a clearer understanding of how to manage and use its natural heritage wisely. Natural resources are the mainstay of Cambodia’s economy: more than 80% of Cambodians depend directly on natural resources for subsistence and income, and all utilize wild resources such as fish and timber. With pressures on biodiversity and the environment increasing, there is a risk of losing much of this natural wealth forever; to the detriment of present and future generations. As a result, the lack of national capacity and reliable biodiversity data has been highlighted in all recent priority-setting exercises, including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (RGC, 2002).

The Masters of Science in Biodiversity Conservation was established in 2005 in response to the urgent need for qualified conservationists to guide Cambodia towards sustainable development, address existing knowledge gaps, and uphold the nation’s commitments to conserving its biodiversity.

Partner organisations assisting the MSc in Biodiversity Conservation programme include:

• Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, Cambodia

• Bat Conservation International, USA

• Conservation International, Cambodia

• Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark

• Darwin Initiative, UK

• Harrison Institute, UK

• Hungarian Natural History Museum, Hungary

• International Crane Foundation, USA

• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, USA

• La Sierra University, USA

• Ministry of Environment, Cambodia

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia

• Murdoch University, Australia

• Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, France

• Natural History Museum, UK

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, USA

• Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

• Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh, UK

• Rufford Foundation, UK

• Scientific Capacity Development Initiative, Cambodia

• Texas State University, USA

• University of Aberdeen, UK

• US Fish and Wildlife Service

• US Agency for International Development

• Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre, Vietnam

• Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of Victoria, Australia

References:

Daltry, J.C. 2008. Editorial – Cambodia’s biodiversity revealed. Cambodian Journal of Natural History, 2008(1): 3-5.

Daltry, J.C. 2011. Editorial – Finders, keepers. Cambodian Journal of Natural History, 2011(2): 77-78.

Royal Government of Cambodia. 2002. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Ministry of Environment & FAO/UNDP/GEF Project CMB/98/G33, Cambodia.