The Mondulkiri Project is a programme organized by the Cambodia Elephant Rescue Organization NGO, which operates at the heart of a vast forest area in Mondulkiri to prevent deforestation. These activities represent the primary threat to elephant life in Cambodge. The association currently shelters 5 of the 41 elephants living near the town of Sen Monorom. The goal is to ensure their protection while supporting the Phnong communities, a Cambodian ethnic minority, in the area. The association leases this large sanctuary to this minority and provides employment to sustain the sanctuary. Deforestation has also deeply affected these populations, who must sometimes migrate to find the resources necessary for their daily lives.

Tourism: A vital catalyst for development

M. Tree, founder of the Cambodia Elephant Rescue NGO, has pledged to welcome more elephants to the Mondulkiri Project, particularly a male to ensure breeding. Tourism revenue plays a significant role in funding this initiative. Princesse, Sophie, Happy, Comvine, and Lucky are the five elephants currently living in the sanctuary. All are female.

To finance his project, M. Tree is counting heavily on tourism. He offers jungle treks through Mondulkiri's wilderness, as well as elephant encounters. Visitors can spend one or two days feeding the elephants, trekking alongside them, and joining them for a "bath" beneath the forest waterfall. Beyond enabling sanctuary development and dedicated elephant funding, tourism revenue significantly benefits the Phnong communities. Residents committed to the project have had to learn English and now work full-time as tour guides. These revenues generate employment while also providing medicine and food to disadvantaged families.