Angelina Jolie's Nonprofit: A Two-Decade Commitment to Cambodian Conservation
A Legacy of Conservation in Cambodia
For more than twenty years, a nonprofit foundation initiated by Angelina Jolie has been dedicated to the conservation of the Samlaut region in northwestern Cambodia. Founded in 2003, this organization emphasizes a community-focused approach, leveraging local knowledge to guide efforts in conservation, sustainable farming, and public health. By employing a fully local workforce, the foundation tailors its initiatives to meet the unique needs of the community rather than imposing outside agendas.
The foundation currently manages the protection of over 40,000 hectares within the Samlaut Multiple Use Area. In addition to environmental conservation, it serves more than 10,000 residents each year by maintaining health facilities, implementing clean water projects, and supporting local educational institutions. This comprehensive strategy aims to equip rural communities with the necessary resources to prosper while also protecting the local ecosystem.
Promoting Sustainable Practices and Biodiversity
Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity Protection
A key focus of the foundation is to encourage sustainable beekeeping as a viable alternative to deforestation and timber extraction. By promoting the preservation of flowering forests, this initiative has established a direct economic connection between forest health and local income. Reports from the Maddox Foundation indicate that local beekeepers produced nearly 1,400 liters of honey in 2025. Additionally, the project has emphasized self-sufficiency, enabling beekeepers to create their own beeswax foundation sheets, thereby reducing dependence on external suppliers.
The foundation's dedication to biodiversity is supported by thorough data collection efforts. In partnership with Fauna & Flora and the Cambodian Ministry of Environment, extensive wildlife surveys have been conducted in the region. These studies have confirmed the existence of endangered and critically endangered species, such as the Asian elephant and the Sunda pangolin. To safeguard these animals, local rangers patrol the area, successfully removing nearly 7,800 meters of wire snares in 2025 alone. This data is being utilized to finalize a formal land-zoning process with the government, anticipated to conclude in 2026.
Addressing Climate Change and Community Needs
Climate Resilience and Long-Term Community Impact
In light of the pressing challenges posed by climate change, including erratic harvests and extended dry seasons, the foundation has incorporated agroforestry and agroecology into its practices. These approaches aim to restore both farmland and forest, particularly in the headwaters of the Sangker River Basin. By safeguarding the river's source, the organization seeks to enhance water security and soil health for communities downstream.
Throughout its existence, the foundation has prioritized practical, community-driven solutions. Whether it involves training women in beekeeping or enhancing infrastructure for clean water access, the organization’s approach is grounded in the belief that effective environmental conservation must yield tangible benefits for local populations. By empowering rangers, farmers, and health workers to spearhead these initiatives, the foundation continues to promote a sustainable equilibrium between human development and the conservation of Cambodia’s natural environment.