The fascinating and glorious details of Cambodia’s culture, cuisine, natural landscape, history and unique life-style that are unfolding in front of us through all the great blogs that my other classmates are posting make it obvious that tourism in Cambodia has a great potential. The country offers rich history and an enchanting culture, mouth-watering cuisine and an uplifting touch of religion. In the recent years expectedly, there has been an increase in the number of tourist arrivals to Cambodia. The number of tourists to Cambodia in the year was more than 2 million in 2007 (foreign visitors).
Like in many other developing countries tourism occupies an important place in the contribution to the economic development of the country. However, we have to be wary of unsustainable tourism practices especially in a culturally, environmentally and economically fragile ecosphere like Cambodia. In a Third World country local communities are vulnerable to the consequences that “mass” international tourism can create.
Sustainable or responsible tourism in the context of developing countries is far deeper than just a buzz word. It touches the lives of some of the poorest of the poor and offers governments and people an opportunity to bring economic empowerment to the common people without compromising or hampering the very assets that brought in the tourists in the first place.
In fact realizing this challenge, the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia in June 2008 adopted a policy on “ethical/responsible or eco-tourism”. The basis of this national policy of eco-tourism lies on the three drivers of: planet, population, profit. “Eco-tourism must provide the people with additional means of subsistence but also instruct them, allow them to interact and offer, on both sides, an enriching experience.”
Although many NGOs and international bodies were trying to contribute in this field the government’s efforts helped bring together these initiatives under one central body. The organisation called CCBEN or Cambodia Community-based Ecotourism Network operational since 2005, is a non-governmental organisation that has approximately 27 members, mainly local and international ecological NGOs and some private tour operators like “Hanuman Tours”. The role of CCBEN is primarily to train and inform and act as a supportive institution. The CCBEN also helps create an awareness for responsible tourism opportunities in Cambodia.
The three main geographical regions chosen for their high potential in the eco-tourism sector are the North-East provinces (Mondolkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng and Kratie), those in the South-West (region of the Cardamoms chain, mangroves and beaches) and the Tonle Sap basin, particularly around the city of the Angkor temples and Siem Reap, where the Preak Toal reservation. Osmose is an NGO that works here linking conservation and development in the Prek Toal area of the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, north of Siem Reap.
One of the successful projects of CCBEN Prek Toal reservation, on the Tonle Sap, where boat trips co-managed by villagers are offered to tourists and generate a genuine contact with the community installed on the lake. Some of the rangers in charge of the site surveillance are even former poachers! In fact an NGO called the Lake Clinic works here to look after the health of the communities of floating villages
Another highly relevant and visible program based on community tousim is Save the Children, especially aimed at protecting children from abuse and enabling them to access basic healthcare and education. This initiative is active all-around Asia.
Some of the other initiatives are particularly around Siem Reap are:
Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism Site: This site is very close to Siem Reap city. This temple, that’s now partly overgrown by the jungle, originates from the 12th century and was used as a film set for the ‘Tomb raider’ movie. Around the temple, villagers and silk weavers live their traditional way of life.
Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC) is a social enterprise providing alternative, fair, livelihoods to rural communities in Siem Reap province. Located in Sanday Village on the way to Banteay Srey Temple and the Landmine Museum, BBC has established the largest live butterfly exhibit of its kind in South East Asia. This allows families who are sustainably farming butterflies for the enclosure to be supported by revenue generated from tourist admissions.
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), located near the famous temples of Angkor, is the first nature conservation centre in Cambodia. The ACCB aims to contribute to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Cambodia.
Handicap International is another organization that has been working with the Cambodian people since 1982, to provide mine accident survivors with orthopedic devices.
Sam Vaesna Centre organises day trips from Siem Reap and itineraries across Cambodia to see rare birds in their natural habitat at WCS sites. The ecotourism generates income and employment for villagers in remote sites who provide food, accommodation and local guiding for the visitors.
However, community based tourism activity in a developing economy is difficult to implement, mainly because most villagers owing to poor education and resources do not know much about tourism. They usually make their living by hunting in the forest or cutting trees, it is difficult then for an NGO to ask them to stop doing so. Since community tourism initiatives by definition must involve the local people. All such actions have to respect people’s culture and value their rights. Such comes only through persistent effort and training.
We will hopefully get to sample a little of these initiatives during our Master Class!
Let’s all be more responsible and respectful tourists. I will end my post with some tips for responsible tourism. ?
Wildlife and Forest Conservation
• Do not eat, buy, or encourage in any way, wildlife trade and the capture of wildlife. This includes buying of animals out of pity.
• Take all non-biodegradable rubbish out with you as there are no waste management facilities in the villages.
• Try to conserve water.
• Please do not collect plants and specimens from the forest as souvenirs.
Respecting Cultural Values
• Dress modestly. Cover legs and shoulders whilst in the village. Nudity is offensive, so also dress modestly when bathing.
• Take your shoes off when entering a house or your home-stay.
• Don’t become drunk or use drugs. ? ?
• Don’t flirt with local people. Be respectful at all times.
• Please do not give money or gifts to children or beggars.
• Ask before taking photographs of local people.
________________________________________
http://cambodia.ka-set.info/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=38
http://cambodia.ka-set.info/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=38
http://www.concertcambodia.org/siem_reap_organisations.aspx
http://www.ccben.org/Going-on-CBET-trip.html
great post, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!안전놀이터
According to MOM, firms in manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors also raised the wages of their employees, but to a lesser degree as a result of global supply chain disruptions and weakness in trade-related activities. <a href="https://www.블랙툰.com/" rel="nofollow"웹툰주소
News of Mateo’s find rippled through the village, stirring whispers of intrigue and speculation. 블랙툰
The FAA recently clarified how to measure wingspan for aircraft. Wingspans are the distance between the tip of the wing and the ground. This distance is important because winglets are angled upward at the end of the wings. The Gulfstream 650, for example, has a wingspan of almost 100 feet.
is your wingspan your height
it cavein
Last year, all industries saw higher wage growth compared with 2021, but the magnitude of increase varied. 블랙툰
Thank you dear friends, Keep forward and support us. We need more valuable information. keep it up.토토사이트
An interesting discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not talk about such subjects. To the next! All the best!메이저사이트
“Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.” 늑대닷컴
High hit rate for sports game advice 스포츠 & 카지노
Hello, this is a very good website. I also run a website.
Mobile and PC versions are also operated as optimal solutions.
Yamatoto is very proud of you. ☞ 스포츠 & 카지노
Timberland Waterproof Boots are recommended for outdoor enthusiasts. They are built for tough terrain and offer comfort and support during long hikes. The boots are made of waterproof leather and durable outsoles with anti-fatigue technology to absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue. These boots are available in various styles and colors to suit different preferences.
Thanks for sharing such helpful information. I appreciate it. I also have some suggestions that may interest you Logoriverr Cutting Edge Logo Designer
excellent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You must proceed your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!토토사이트
our style is very unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.메이저놀이터
“If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve 늑대닷컴
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This submit actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thank you! 소닉카지노
I was very happy to find this page. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I have you book marked to look at new things on your site.카지노
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was entirely right. This submit actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thank you! 소닉카지노98
Biggest 온라인 카지노 슬롯머신 Loss of 2020
UFADEAL , our website, give away for real, no need to deposit, no need to share Get it for free Because it is what helps you make money. Fully playable, all games can be withdrawn for real, must be PGslot on this website only.먹튀검증
May I just say what a comfort to uncover someone who really understands what they are discussing on the web. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular since you certainly possess the gift.메이저사이트
Keep calm and carry on. 토토사이트
MOST RIDICULOUS & UNBELIEVABLE 안전한 홀덤사이트 Morning JACKPOTS EVER!
he whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it. 먹튀검증
“We should remember that just as a positive outlook on life can promote good health, so can everyday acts of kindness.” 먹튀검증
“This is How Parents Can Relieve Stress Throughout the Day”
토토사이트
“How I Made $1 Million Last Week From Clicking Here”토토사이트추천
“This Is Why You’re Not Seeing an ROI on Your Marketing”안전놀이터
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” 메이저사이트
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. 안전놀이터추천 But by chance looking at your post solved my problem! I will leave my blog, so when would you like to visit it?!
Ich habe am vergangenen Montag besucht, und in der Zwischenzeit bin ich zurück gekommen, in Erwartung, dass es vielleicht andere Artikel zu tun haben, die ich weiß, 현금홀덤사이트 es gibt kein Bedauern und lassen einen Kommentar. Ihre Artikel sind sehr gut, gehen Sie weiter!!!!
“The greatest pleasure of life is love.” 메이저사이트
great post, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!토토사이트
““We accept the love we think we deserve.”
” 메이저사이트
“Can Face Masks Prevent You From Getting the Coronavirus? Doctors Weight In”
사설토토
Hi there! This article couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!온라인바카라
Hello, it’s been a while since I visited again. I always enjoy reading your good articles. Thank you for your continued support.
슬롯사이트
An interesting discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not talk about such subjects. To the next! All the best!토토사이트
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” 메이저사이트
“13 Worst Interview Mistakes (You Won’t Believe Number 6)”
메이저사이트추천
“How I Made $1 Million Last Week From Clicking Here”사설토토
Your ideas have inspired me a lot. I want to learn your writing skills. There is also a website. Please visit us and leave your comments. Thank you. 안전놀이터
Hello, this is a very good website. I also run a website.
Mobile and PC versions are also operated as optimal solutions.
Yamatoto is very proud of you ☞ their own life
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”– 메이저놀이터
“I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine.” 메이저사이트
I was impressed by your writing. Your writing is impressive. I want to write like you.카지노게임사이트 I hope you can read my post and let me know what to modify. My writing is in I would like you to visit my blog.
“The biggest food trends of 2023 (you won’t believe #9)”
메이저사이트
“You’ll Never Get Hired if You Say This in a Job Interview”
토토사이트추천
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever 토토사이트추천
This is the post I was looking for. I am very happy to read this article. If you have time, please come to my site 먹튀검증 and share your thoughts. Have a nice day.