Thira joined BirdLife at the beginning of August as Project Officer for Cambodia CEPF-RIT project. He studied at the Royal University of Agriculture and Law in Cambodia, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry and Law. Thira has valuable experience in natural resource and environmental management in Cambodia, much of which he has been gained through employment with the Tonle Sap Environmental Management Project, and Concern Worldwide's Community Forestry Programme. Working on these projects, his main responsibilities were to provide grant funding support, and capacity building, to local communities, NGOs and government departments. Thira's experience in both grant-making, and capacity building, lays a sound foundation for his position. Thira is committed to impart his skills, knowledge and experiences to other staff, to help achieve the common goals of BirdLife.