Eco-tourism in the Cardamom Mountains

The Cambodia Office is engaged in an IUCN Nl-funded project to deliver training in core components of eco-tourism to a strategically located commune in the Cardamom Mountains in Southwest Cambodia.

The goal of this project is to foster biodiversity conservation in the Southern Cardamom Mountains through education and training and the practical development of sustainable livelihood initiatives that gain benefit from management and conservation of the area's biodiversity.

The Cardamom Mountains of southwest Cambodia are a biodiversity hotspot. They are one of the last remaining elephant corridors and large predator ranges in the region. They are host to many of Cambodia 's 2300 plant species and more than half of its 200 bird species and are home to 14 globally threatened mammal species. Illegal logging, hunting and clearing for farms are threatening the species and the integrity of the forest ecosystems. The illegal activities are caused by poverty and by commercial exploitation for international live trade and animal products markets.

Eco tourism is a viable livelihood option for Chi Phat commune. Chi Phat is surrounded by a protected forest rich in natural attractions: streams, waterfalls, primary rainforest and diverse terrain. The area is criss-crossed with trails, tracks and old logging routes. Chi Phat has easy access to a major international highway and is relatively close to other major tourist destinations. Chi Phat is ideally placed to offer a range of eco-activities. Mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and special-interest tours including long distance treks are potential income generating activities.

The Live & Learn team of Ms Saya Marta, Ms Haeng Vattey and Terry Wooltorton (Australian Volunteer), have been developing and delivering curriculum in 5 core eco-tourism components: Eco- Awareness; Eco-Guiding; Hospitality; FirstAid and Mountain Biking. The 10 month project is due to be completed at the end of 2008.

We have 15 eco-guide trainees, 24 hospitality (food vendors, guesthouse and home-stay operators) trainees, and a number of CBET Committee members who participate in training. Recently 29 guides and other trainees successfully completed a Red Cross First Aid course, which was specifically tailored for the remoteness of the Cardamoms. The eco-guides are also participating in mountain bike training, learning technical riding skills, repairs, maintenance, care and mtb guiding. An intensive course for mtb mechanics will be delivered to the eco-guide trainees.

The project has delivered 12 quality mountain bikes (plus helmets, spare parts and tools) to the CBET committee. The bikes are being used for training and will form the fleet with which the CBET will operate its mtb tours. The bikes were purchased from Bangkok Thailand and transported overland and delivered to Chi Phat Commune. Funds to cover transport of the vehicles were provided by Australian Volunteers International through the Volunteer Support Assistance Fund.

This project is building capacity through education and training in the main aspects of eco-tourism and guiding: interpretive skills, biodiversity and conservation knowledge, product satisfaction and impact monitoring, communication and English language, First-Aid and hospitality.

The project will prepare and equip the Chi Phat CBET group to plan, conduct and evaluate at least one mountain bike eco tour/ group exposure ride. This ride will also form part of the evaluation process for the project and serve to expose and promote the CBET initiative. At the completion of the project, CBET development will continue as part of the community development program undertaken by Wildlife Alliance.

The Chi Phat Commune is comprised of four villages of about 550 families beside the Phipot river. The Commune CBET committee was formed in 2007 with the assistance of international NGO Wildlife Alliance (formerly WildAid) who have a community development role in the Commune.

The project has also come up with an innovative and sustainable way of overcoming food packaging issues.

For more information take a look at the project website: www.mountainbikingcardamoms.com