About Us

Who We are

The North-Eastern Cottage Organization (NECO) is a Cambodian Indigenous Peoples civil society organization established in 2016 by experienced professionals and committed grassroots volunteers. NECO works to empower Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in the northern, northeastern, and western regions of Cambodia by strengthening their rights, livelihoods, and stewardship of natural resources.

Who we are…

Where We work

NECO operates in strategically selected model communities, serving as entry points for broader impact across neighboring IPLCs facing similar challenges. Target areas are identified using issue-based, asset-based, and culture-based criteria, ensuring interventions are locally relevant, inclusive, and scalable.

What we do...

NECO advances community-led development by promoting meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. Through partnerships with communities, government institutions, and international stakeholders, NECO supports sustainable, rights-based solutions that generate long-term structural change.

Vision: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities actively shape and lead their own sustainable futures.
Mission: To empower IPLCs to exercise their collective rights to maintain, control, protect, and develop their lands, resources, and cultural systems.
Goal: To strengthen IPLCs’ capacities to secure land and resource rights, improve livelihoods, and enhance resilience through a community-centered, rights-based approach.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GADSI)

Gender equality is a cross-cutting priority in NECO’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. NECO recognizes the critical roles women play in food systems, income generation, seed conservation, climate adaptation, and community resilience. Women are key actors in agricultural value chains and custodians of traditional ecological knowledge. However, systemic barriers continue to limit their participation in leadership and decision-making. NECO integrates gender-responsive approaches to promote women’s empowerment, leadership, and equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Rationale and Context

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Cambodia face accelerating threats from land dispossession, agro-industrial expansion, and shifting policy environments. These pressures undermine customary land tenure, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient food systems. Traditional seed varieties—central to nutrition, culture, and ecological balance—are rapidly disappearing, replaced by costly commercial seeds that increase dependency and poverty (FAO, 2017). NECO addresses these challenges by supporting community-led protection of land, forests, and food systems.

How we work….

NECO works in collaboration with Community Protected Areas (CPAs), Community Forestry (CF) groups, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and National Parks. We facilitate community governance systems that strengthen protection, sustainable management, and equitable access to natural resources. NECO emphasizes participatory planning, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-managed conservation and livelihood systems.

Anniversary Appreciation to Our Supporters, 27 December!

On behalf of the Board, management, and entire NECO family, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and well-wishers as we celebrate this important anniversary in our journey.

Over the years, NECO has grown from a shared vision into a purposeful organization making meaningful impact. This progress would not have been possible without your unwavering support, trust, and belief in our mission. Every milestone we have achieved reflects your commitment, encouragement, and partnership.

Your contributions—whether through resources, guidance, collaboration, or moral support—have strengthened our capacity to serve, grow, and remain focused on our core values. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and laid a strong foundation for the future.

As we mark this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence, accountability, and service. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and achieving even greater milestones together in the years ahead.

Thank you for standing with NECO and for being an essential part of our story.

With sincere appreciation,

NECO