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Why Cambodia?
Cambodia as a nation currently lacks the financial and technical means to support the conservation of many of its natural resources and like so many developing nations is aiming to profit directly from exploiting them. Recently, tourism in Cambodia has increased exponentially with attractions like Angkor Wat being the main attraction thanks to films like ‘the Tomb Raider’. Dive tourism has also flourished as tourists seek different activities while on holiday. Cambodia’s waters are home to a large number of unique corals and undiscovered micro-species that need protection from commercial and destructive fishing techniques, as well as irresponsible scuba diving practices.
With this in mind the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in Cambodia called on the expertise of this British NGO to conduct a rapid assessment of the area's marine resources, with the intention of developing a longer-term monitoring and management plan, which would engage and involve the local community.
Long term goals
The long-term aims are to help establish a coastal management plan for the area and set up a series of marine protected areas, which will help protect the most diverse habitats and decrease the deterioration and degradation of the coral reef.
Through the collection of survey data by scientists and expedition volunteers, GIS habitat and species maps will be created for the area to reflect different levels of diversity of the region. Once the monitoring and conservation programme has been established and adopted by a local NGO or preferably the local community; community based marine protected areas can be recommended and established.
Local community
All volunteers are directed to the FCO’s, ‘Know Before you Go’ campaign which will clearly advise volunteers on local customs and cultures and how best to respect them.
Volunteers are guided by the Expedition Leader and other staff members to ensure their smooth integration into local communities. As the organisation has the approval of the Ministry of Fisheries and is working with a local counterpart, the local community will be aware of the mission.
Volunteers are the 'life-blood' of this conservation project and through actively taking part in interactive learning sessions in local schools and welcoming children on site, the surrounding villagers will soon become accustomed and aware of our work and we hope appreciate the project’s value.
Accommodation
The site on Koh Rong is very remote, allowing the expedition to commence without external disturbances. Local partner the ‘Dive Shop Cambodia’, who source most of their staff locally, manages it.
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