PHNOM PENH: Each month, Art Sreymom ventures deep into the forest alongside other villagers to help safeguard the land that sustains her community.
The patrols can be dangerous, but the 37-year-old Indigenous leader says the purpose is straightforward.
“The forest feeds our community. If we don’t protect it, who will?”
Sreymom serves as secretary of the O Som Community Forest, representing 1,372 members — with women making up more than half — from Cambodia’s Kouy Indigenous community.
Her path toward leadership began years before she formally took the role on. At just 15, she accompanied her father on forest patrols, where she learned about wild foods, medicinal plants and the importance of conserving natural resources.
“The forest is like an ancient temple that no one can recreate,” she says.
Today, those early experiences in nature continue to shape the way she leads.
Community forests supply vital food and income sources, including honey, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and wild fruits.
However, protecting these ecosystems depends on strong leadership and cooperation within the community.
According to Sor Nov, a 67-year-old volunteer, Sreymom’s commitment has earned the confidence of local residents.
“She sacrifices her time for the community,” he says.
“Without a good leader, we cannot unite,” he continues.
Through the PEARL Project — funded by the Green Climate Fund and carried out by Cambodian ministries with technical support from FAO — women farmers and Indigenous leaders like Sreymom are building climate resilience, improving agricultural methods and strengthening links to markets.
The initiative is expected to support more than 450,000 farmers and agricultural value chain participants across Cambodia.
Sreymom recently travelled to Phnom Penh to attend the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition, where she met potential buyers and explored new ways to promote products from her community.
Her story reflects a wider shift taking place in rural Cambodia.
Women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems.
As the world observes International Women’s Day, Sreymom’s experience offers a powerful reminder:
Protecting forests and feeding communities often begins with women. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
