Executing entities: © Thida Leiper | IBIS Rice Location: Cambodia Dates: 2017–2021 Ecosystem: Terrestrial production landscape Nature-based Solution: Climate-resilient agriculture Implementing Drought-resilient Context Northern Cambodia supports over 50 species of global conservation concern, including the Giant and White-shouldered Ibises. Three protected areas together cover more than 400,000 ha of forest and wetland which support more than 20,000 people. Local communities of this region are amongst the poorest in Cambodia and are dependent on the forest and land resources within the protected areas for their livelihoods. Sansom Mlup Prey (SMP) successfully established the Ibis Rice concept, which provides local communities with an incentive to engage in conservation by offering farmersa premium price if they abide by conservation agreements. These agreements are designedto protect the rare waterbirds and other species that use the protected areas. The rules and regulations are developed by local communities and are approved by government. Despiteprevious project success, climate change-induced droughts – for which the area is considered extremely vulnerable – threaten the wildlife-friendly farming that forms the link between improved incomes and biodiversity conservation. As a result, this project promotes climate-resilient agriculture to overcome the trend of decreasing productivity resulting from climate change, whilst expanding the Ibis Rice scheme to provide further conservation and livelihood benefits. Project objectives: To expand implementation of the Ibis Rice concept. To work with wildlife-friendly Ibis Rice farmers to adopt a drought-resilient rice strain and new soil conservation techniques. To increase income and improve food security of > 2,500 households. To reduce habitat loss across 400,000 ha forest and protect threatened species. Funding: Total project budget: £743,524 (GBP) Ibis Rice in Cambodia with project partners Sansom Mlup Grey Darwin Initiative £299,491 (GBP) Wildlife Conservation Society £115,941 (GBP) Sansom Mlup Prey £328,092 (GBP) Biodiversity 7% increase in critically endangered bird’snests protected. Climate Adaptation to climate change through 579 households using drought-resilient seeds. People Basic NecessitySurvey scores increased by 0.34; increased food security. Project achievements as of 2020: 150