Author : Siyin, GROUND Cambodia | Tag : Cambodia, Responsible Tourism, Environment & Conservation, For Teachers

As part of each of our educational travel programs to Cambodia for both high school and university students, we aim to help achieve the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) – formulated by world leaders at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015 which are to be achieved by 2030. One of the goals in SDGs aims to preserve the earth and its environment; namely life below water (SDG 14) and on land (SDG 15).

To make these goals a reality, we require collaboration, teamwork, and sharing across institutions that demonstrate similar concerns. GROUND Asia collaborates with local organizations while involving youth from all around the world through hands-on participation.

In Cambodia, students can be a part of environmental projects to replant and grow vital mangrove forests in Trapeang Sangkae. Mangrove forests are one of nature’s best defenses against a changing climate and home ocean’s lives.

Trapeang Sangkae is located in Kampot, one of Southern areas in Cambodia. This community was created by fishermen whose wanted to protect and conserve mangrove trees for ocean lives. In this village there are about 500 families that are mostly fishermen; some are former fishermen. The people in this village believe that if they can protect mangrove trees and planet more, they will then be able to protect local natural resources such as fish, shrimp, crab, and much more. This project also helps to generate income for local people who live in this community by growing thousands of mangrove tree as a home for ocean lives.

By working together with the Trapeang Sangke community and letting the students and university groups replant mangrove saplings, the previously cleared area has a chance to regrow. After planting, student groups also have the chance to go on a boat trip to see the mangrove forest and local way of living.

If you haven’t yet booked your students’ travel program to Cambodia, check out our high school and university trips and get in contact with us.