Empower Rural Communities and Help Protect Forests

Last year, Wildlife Alliance took supporters and Advisory Board members on a frequently wild, oftentimes touching, and definitely life-changing trip to our projects in the Southern Cardamom Mountain range of Cambodia. One aspect of the tour included a visit to our Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) projects in Chi Phat and Trapeang Roung. These projects are located in the Southwestern part of the Cardamom Mountains. Situated amid stunning mountains, rivers, rainforests, wetlands and mangroves, and home to a vibrant and unique array of wildlife, they are ideal destinations for tourists looking for an ecological adventure. What better way to thank our supporters for all their help in making this project “the best community-based ecotourism destination in Cambodia,” than by showing them firsthand the work we do in Chi Phat and Trapeang Roung.

We began our journey with a helicopter ride from the Reforestation Program over the mountains to the O’Malu Waterfall, all the while taking in spectacular views of the Cardamom mountain range. When we arrived, we were greeted by curious children enjoying the day with their families. After swimming, jumping off rocks and devouring a wonderful picnic lunch by the water, we decided to go back to the village by mountain bike. On our way back, we were surprised with an unexpected thunderstorm! This turned a normally rugged ride into a treacherous journey. However, our group enjoyed the challenge and took it in good spirit. Upon our arrival to the village (after drying off of course), we were welcomed by the CBET Committee, where they shared with us the work CBET does to provide rural families with resources to establish and maintain their own businesses. Through CBET, community members can earn an income from sustainable family-run businesses in ecotourism, rather than destructive and illegal poaching and logging. After a long day, we celebrated with dinner and cocktails!

For a chance to meet the communities we serve, and too see firsthand how Wildlife Alliance creates alternative sustainable livelihoods, join us for this year’s Field Visit in November. For more information on this once in a lifetime adventure, click here, or contact Beth Eisenstaedt at eisenstaedt@wildlifealliance.org or 646-569-5861.

Our Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) project recently built a new campsite in Trapeang Thmar located about 12.5 miles north of Chi Phat. The trek for this site is the first 5 day/4 night trekking tour in Cambodia, and is our longest and most challenging itinerary so far. The trek takes visitors through dense jungle, by stunning waterfalls, through open grasslands and on scenic boat rides. With wildlife sightings common and a wild elephant encounter already recorded, this trek nearly guarantees tourists a chance to experience wildlife first hand!

The trek is already being recognized by several international tour operators, including Charity Challenge. This UK based tour company raises funds for charity organizations through responsible tourist expeditions. Last month, Charity Challenge completed their first Cambodian Jungle Challenge ever at our CBET in Chi Phat! Participants had the opportunity to witness first hand all the great work Wildlife Alliance does for forest and wildlife protection. They boast that the Cambodia Jungle Challenge is also their “greenest challenge,” since our efforts work to protect the Cardamom Mountains and give back to those local communities. After their rugged trek, travelers got a chance to experience the local culture through a homestay in Chi Phat and finally visit the wonderful animals at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center on their way back to Phnom Penh. The tour was a huge success, and Charity Challenge has already booked a second tour for February 2013.

Links:

• Great video with highlights from their Cambodia Jungle Trek