Threats
The main threats to the local ecosystems are rapid deforestation and land- appropriation due to the government’s policy of selling Economic Land Concessions, used as rubber and cashew plantations. The expansion of such concessions is fast and it aggressively tears through the remainders of Cambodia’s wild places and animist cultures. Likewise, hydropower development in the region, destined for urban regions reduces rivers to stagnant pools of contaminated water. Related to this is the trend that young inhabitants of the region forget ancient traditions, tempted to adopt modern life styles. In fact, some seem to shun their animist heritage altogether.

Custodians
Mountains are considered the abode of powerful deities who can bring rain in times of drought, heal ill family members, and even spring incarcerated people from prison. The Brao people, resident in the buffer zone, are fearful of the Spirit Mountains of Virachey. They are particularly nervous about Haling-Halang, which sometimes demands human sacrifice in exchange for favours. No hunting or logging is allowed on Haling-Halang. Visitors to certain sites must make prayers to the resident spirits. Those who wish to collect this bamboo must consult with a local “magic man” who will get in touch with the spirits to find out exactly how much bamboo can be taken, and which sacrifice will be needed. The story goes that a young Brao man once cut a Haling-Halang bamboo without consulting a “magic man”. While cutting, a sharp piece of bamboo pierced his leg. The injury nearly killed him. These animist ways, illustrative also for different sites, indirectly result in wildlife protection.

Working together
So far, collaboration between different parties in this area is poor. Even among villages, the social fabric is beginning to fray as land is sold or illicitly signed over to outsiders. The Cambodian government is listed among the most corrupt in the world. There is nevertheless involvement of the NGO Habitat ID, and several universities do work in the region. This offers hope, but a lot of work remains to be done.

Conservation tools
To conserve nature in this area means to reinforce the traditional nature friendly ways of life. “Animistic Ecotourism” is the central concept encompassing these efforts, including storytelling sessions and trekking tours. Furthermore, research and documentation of the traditions and the important natural features in the park enables outsiders such as policy makers to become aware of its remaining value. Cultural documentation is currently done with ethnographic interviews. Motion-triggered camera-trapping on sacred mountains will soon be initiated in order to verify claims about the natural values of the area, such as the continued existence of rare and locally extinct species.

Results
Next to numerous academic publications that have been written about the region, efforts have established an expansive and reliable network of informants and translators who have visited many villages in the VNP buffer zone, and are now quite knowledgeable on the traditions. They could be the next important advocates for the rights of the region, when it comes to convincing key stakeholders. In the near future, Habitat ID will print a book containing myths and legends of the spirits in the region. This will be dispersed through the region’s villages. Finally, a volunteer camera trap project is about to dawn as a result of long effort.