The Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA) and the non-governmental organizations Ocean Recovery Alliance Ltd. (ORA) and the NGO2 Bamboo Shoot Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of sustainable ecotourism in Cambodia, with a particular focus on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake.
The Memorandum of Understanding includes several joint initiatives such as awareness-raising educational events, film festivals and performances designed to widely promote environmentally friendly waste solutions, recycling initiatives and swimming and water management throughout the Tonle Sap region.
The Memorandum aims to promote environmental improvement of the entire Tonle Sap region through conservation efforts and the promotion of a sustainable region through the region’s thriving ecotourism industry.
The new collaboration with CATA builds on previous efforts by the partners over the past six years working with villages in the Tonle Sap region to promote water sanitation, protection and environmental awareness.
According to the Ocean Recovery Alliance, the NGO’s New Year partnership with CATA will enhance the tourism association’s broader engagement with the local tourism industry by expanding awareness, appreciation for the environment and ecotourism initiatives for the local tourism sector.
“This involves some of our work in the Tonle Sap region with the ‘Inland Ocean Festival’, ‘Water Falling Festival’ and ‘Harvest Plastic’ programs, but with a clear vision for expanding to other regions and events organized by CATA.”
Speaking to local media, Ms. Chhay Sivlin, President of CATA, noted that the collaboration is focused on conservation efforts to protect the Tonle Sap ecosystem as well as sustainable ecotourism practices.
She said that one aspect of the partnership is the development of sustainable tourism initiatives that can benefit the environment as well as the local communities that depend on the Tonle Sap Lake for their daily well-being.
She added that the collaboration will provide support to the community as well as improve the livelihoods of the Tonle Sap people.
She also noted that the work done between the partners can strengthen Cambodia’s image as a responsible tourism destination, which is increasingly important for the global tourism industry.
She added that the collaboration on the annual ‘Blue Sea’ event will also help raise awareness of the Tonle Sap Lake, which is a gathering of important conservation efforts.
Ocean Recovery Alliance is a California-registered non-profit organization and a Hong Kong-registered charity.
Meanwhile, NGO2 Bambooshoot is a Cambodia-based NGO founded in 2009.
According to Steve Jolly, owner of Karma Traders Resort, in a recent interview with the Khmer Times, international tourists visiting Cambodia are increasingly interested in the environment.
He said that due to this trend, efforts to improve the local tourism industry by focusing on sustainability and ecotourism efforts are important for the growth of the sector.
“Efforts to educate the public and improve sanitation around natural areas will go hand in hand with preserving the beauty of the area and boosting tourism,” he added.
Going forward, he said, eco-friendly travel will remain popular across the global travel industry in the coming years.
However, Jolly expects a rise in the trend of charitable travel, with more travelers looking to actively support organizations that help local communities.
