Home / Environment / Jolie's Bees Save Cambodia's Forests
Jolie's Bees Save Cambodia's Forests
25 Oct
Summary
- Locally led foundation supports conservation and sustainable agriculture.
- Beekeeping provides income while protecting forests from clearing.
- Biodiversity surveys confirm endangered species presence in protected areas.
Angelina Jolie founded a locally led nonprofit in Cambodia's Samlaut region over two decades ago. This foundation now supports conservation, sustainable agriculture, public health, and education, covering over 40,000 hectares and reaching more than 10,000 residents yearly.
A key program empowers local beekeepers, whose income rises with standing forests, as hives require surrounding flora. These beekeepers now produce 800 to 1,500 liters of honey annually and are making their own beeswax foundation.
Biodiversity surveys within the Samlaut Multiple Use Area have confirmed the presence of endangered species, including the Sunda pangolin and Asian elephant. This data informs ongoing conservation work, such as clearing wire snares and a formal zoning process with the Ministry of Environment.
The foundation also implements agroforestry and agroecology methods to build resilience against climate change. This work, particularly in the Sangker River Basin, aims to restore forests and farmlands, benefiting communities downstream.
Jolie's vision emphasizes practical, locally driven solutions. Rangers, beekeepers, and health workers are central to these programs, ensuring that conservation efforts improve the lives of those who depend on the land.
