Kampot’s Ecotourism Initiative: Boosting Local Economy and Conservation Efforts through Community Engagement and Education
The Trapaeng Sangkae Community Fisheries ecotourism initiative has revitalized a local area, providing an additional income source for residents and aiding in the preservation of the region’s fragile aquatic ecosystem.
In 2023, this destination welcomed over 50,000 visitors, including 6,000 from abroad, who came to enjoy the serene environment, partake in leisurely boat tours along the river, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kampot, all organized by the local community.
Sim Him, the leader of the Trapaeng Sangkae Community Fisheries, shared that the introduction and success of the ecotourism project have had a positive impact on the community, notably in marine and coastal ecosystem conservation and offering enduring support to the locals.
He noted that during peak festive periods, accommodation provided by the community was in high demand, though only 20% of visitors opted for such stays. The initiative contributes 20% of the income generated from tourists back into the community’s coffers.
However, Sim Him pointed out that outside of these peak times, visitor numbers dwindled, attributed to insufficient facilities, promotional efforts, and support from the government, highlighting a need for enhanced backing to cement the project’s status as a premier, sustainable ecotourism site.
Beyond tourism, the community has embraced education to deter migration for employment in Thailand’s fishing industry, a significant challenge for local families.
Mat Roly, a principal in the community, reported enrollment figures showing a consistent female majority among students, underlining the community’s commitment to education as a means of welcoming international tourists to the ecotourism project. Despite this, resource constraints have limited the school’s offerings to primarily English language instruction, vital for interacting with tourists.
The community operates an evening education center, run by a volunteer, to teach English to children from underprivileged backgrounds. However, the lack of essential resources, such as classroom supplies and financial support for instructors, restricts the expansion of educational offerings.
Volunteer teacher Ka Rim emphasizes the importance of language skills for all community members, regardless of their background, to engage with international visitors, highlighting a gap in educational opportunities for the area’s most vulnerable children.
The NGO Aide et Action is actively seeking solutions to support the community through sustainable fishing practices, mangrove conservation, and educational enhancements, advocating for increased collaboration and promotional efforts from all stakeholders in the tourism industry.
 | Kampot, Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com/kampot-province-guide |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
