Empower Rural Communities and Help Protect Forests

On Tuesday, December 3rd, Sophany Touch, Chi Phat’s Community Development Officer, was selected to present his project on Zero Waste Community-Based Ecotourism at the Community Solutions event in Washington D.C. Sophany was one of 12 finalists, peer-selected from 58 projects that were submitted to the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). His proposed project focuses on implementing a zero waste strategy at Wildlife Alliance’s Community-Based Ecotourism project in Chi Phat. This project focuses on diverting waste from Chi Phat’s landfills and promoting the recycling and reusing of materials to community members and local schools. The results are a litter free community, a reduction of methane into the atmosphere, an increase in tourism and economic benefits to the community, and ultimately conservation of the rainforest and wildlife.

Sophany Touch, who has worked with Wildlife Alliance since 2009, was invited to participate as a community leader in the 2013 Community Solutions program. This program is implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is a professional development program that matches 58 global leaders with 55 American organizations to “improve their capacity for local community development and serve as ambassadors for increased mutual understanding.” Sophany partnered with Citizens’ Environmental Coalition in Houston, TX where he met with organizations involved in ecotourism, forestry, waste management and green school initiatives and learned about recycling markets, composting and community gardens.

We would like to congratulate Sophany on his excellent work! You can help help him realize his goals of zero waste at Chi Phat by making a gift today!