About FLO

As a local non-governmental organization, we aim to achieve long-term success for our conservation projects by empowering communities. We believe that building their capacity, fostering a sense of ownership, and promoting sustainability are the key to achieve our goals. By focusing on these aspects, we help create sustainable communities that can take charge of their future and build a better world for generations to come.

Our Story

How it all started

Before founding FLO, the entire team was involved in forest and land projects, gaining valuable experience and training in forest conservation, community facilitation, conflict management, and advocacy. The project they were part of ended, but they saw an opportunity to continue leveraging their expertise and local knowledge for forest conservation, thus initiating FLO.

Recognizing the intrinsic link between forests and local livelihoods, the initial concept for FLO was to integrate forest conservation with livelihood development. This vision led to the establishment of thematic areas focusing on Forest Conservation, Livelihoods Development, and Climate Change Adaptation.

Founding and Registration

Forests and Livelihood Organization (FLO) is a non-profit registered local organization, established in Kratie Province. On December 8th, 2010, FLO was legally registered with the Ministry of Interior, Cambodia. FLO was created to assist local communities and indigenous people in advocating for and attaining their legal rights and tenures over natural resources, and practicing sustainable management methods to secure their livelihoods.

Growth and Impact

Starting with no funds, FLO’s first grant of $50,000 from UNDP marked the beginning of our journey. Under the leadership of Vandy Kim, we have secured additional funding from various donors, including UNDP-GEF, ForumSiv, Winrock-USAID, SIDA, DGD, etc., significantly expanding our reach and impact. Looking back, we take pride in our journey from a humble beginning to a reputable organization with robust governance, sound financial management, and impactful community programs. Our work has significantly benefited forest conservation, Indigenous Community Land Titles (ICLT), and livelihood development.

Future Aspirations

Our vision for the future is to be a renowned local NGO supporting local and Indigenous communities in forest conservation and collective land management, particularly in northeastern Cambodia. We aim to make a significant contribution to these areas and continue empowering communities for sustainable development.

Meet out Team

FLO is administered by its Governance Board with expertise in finance, organizational development, conservation, and social development. The board supports the organization in creating and following a strategic plan to achieve its mission and goals.

Meet the Governing Board

Mr. UM Chanthy

Mr. Um Chanthy brings over 21 years of experience in accounting, financial management, and administration. He has worked with prominent organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, UNDP/NCDD, and various NGOs and private companies. His expertise includes computerized accounting, human resource management, procurement, and grant management.
As a freelance consultant, Mr. Chanthy has advised numerous NGOs and profit companies on financial systems, policies, and Cambodian tax law. He has also developed accounting tools and trained teams in accounting processes and data entry.

Mr. UM Chanthy

Chair

Mr. NETH Vibol

Mr. Neth Vibol has 13 years of experience working with NGOs in forest and wildlife protection. He currently serves as the Law Enforcement Case Manager at USAID Greening Prey Lang and has previously worked with Wildlife Alliance. He specializes in government relations and case management, with extensive experience in enforcing Protected Area Law and Forestry Law. He is skilled at building stakeholder coalitions, including government departments, courts, communities, and the private sector, to address deforestation and wildlife trafficking.

Mr. NETH Vibol

Deputy Chair

Mr. Prak Pin

Prak Pin is a Technical Development Project Manager with Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) and has over 20 years of experience in project implementation with INGOs and local NGOs.
In his roles, Prak Pin has coordinated with technical stakeholders and authorities from the community to the provincial level. He has extensive experience in project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting, working closely with partners and leading teams to successfully implement project activities.

Mr. PRAK Pin

Technical Member

MR. SETH Kimsong

Kimsong has 16 years of experience with NGOs focused on forests, land monitoring, and social enterprise. He has held roles at KWWA, RECOFTC, CCD, and PYD.
Currently, Kimsong serves as Business Director at Prudential Company, where he leads a team of over 1,000 people in managing business partnerships. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in General Management, from the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE).
 

Mr. SETH Kimsong

Secretary

Meet our Staff

Ms. KIM Vandy

Executive Director

I am proud to be a part of FLO, I feel dedicated to enhancing livelihoods and conserving our natural resources. I aspire to see a greener, healthier environment for our country, where people’s lives continuously improve. Working for FLO also provides incredible opportunities for personal growth through learning and collaboration with various individuals and organizations, for me and all the employees.

Ms. KIM Vandy

Executive Director

Mr. NHEAN Sopho

Project Manager

I am thrilled to be working with FLO because the organization’s vision and purpose align with my personal values of nature protection and community work. Through my work with FLO, I have the opportunity to contribute to society by sharing my personal experiences and knowledge, while also learning from the community. My goal is to help create a harmonious environment within a collaborative society.

Mr. NHEAN Sopho

Project Manager

Mr. NHAM Veasna

Project officer – Smart data
 
I love sharing knowledge, providing training in social development, and helping communities. Working with communities is challenging and requires flexibility, empathy, and close collaboration. Working with FLO, I help promote community development and increase knowledge in remote rural areas. Our work ensures no one is left behind.

MR. NHAM Veasna

Project officer

Ms. SRUN Channet

Admin & Finance Officer

I work at FLO Organization because I love nature and want to contribute to nature protection for future generations. I understand the importance of forests in sustaining life as they provide us with shade, fresh air, absorb toxins, and give us oxygen. FLO’s office is conveniently located near my house, and I take pride in working for an organization that prioritizes the well-being of forests and indigenous people.

Ms. SRUN Channet

Admin and Finance officer

Mr. HORM Channaroth

Community Forestry Project Coordinator

Working for FLO, I can use my knowledge to facilitate the successful implementation of projects and help local communities manage natural resources in a sustainable way, improve their livelihoods and strengthen their advocacy capacity. I am enthusiastic about working with FLO because I want to contribute to social work and help build community capacities.

Mr. HORM Channaroth

Community Forestry Project Coordinator

Mr. TOEM Tun

Project Officer – Livelihoods

In my role as a facilitator for the livelihood team, I ensure that the project contributes to raising the living standards of the community and fosters society development. I am passionate about the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and I believe these are crucial for the well-being of our planet and our communities.

Mr. TOEM Tun

Project Officer – Livelihoods

Mr. KEO Chat

Project Officer – Communities

I work with community fisheries and community forests, and I am proud to be part of an independent Cambodian organization with strong principles and honesty. In my job, I need to communicate and collaborate effectively with local authorities to develop our communities. My role and responsibilities include empowering and coordinating community efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Mr. KEO Chat

Project Officer -Communities

Ms. KANN Seyma

Project Officer – Livelihoods

Working with FLO aligns with my dream of contributing to social and agricultural development. Growing up, I became passionate about healthy food production for communities and generating income through non-timber forest products. By supporting biodiversity and forest conservation in my home province, I aim to enhance forest cover and combat global climate change. I joined FLO because of its commitment to biodiversity, forest, and wildlife conservation.

Ms. KANN Seyma

Project Officer – Livelihoods

Mr. MIN Kimhoy

Indigenous Land Registration Project Officer

I coordinate the Indigenous Land Registration Project. I joined FLO to help rural communities manage natural resources sustainably, increase employment, and adapt to climate change. FLO’s commitment to honesty, accountability, and transparency inspires me to contribute effectively to our mission.

Mr. MIN Kimhoy

Indigenous Land Registration Project Officer

Ms. BRU Camille

Program development officer
“I am deeply concerned about the state of our environment and the impact that deforestation and climate change have on the world, particularly vulnerable populations. That’s why I decided to work with FLO and support the team’s efforts to safeguard Cambodia’s forests.”

Ms. BRU Camille

Program development officer