Mangrove Environmental Conservation Supporter

Kampot is often viewed as a place which truly reflects rural Cambodia. With its slow paced, relaxed and vibrant environment intertwined with its beautiful landscape, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. Of the town’s 2,500 inhabitants, over 80% are directly dependent on the region’s long-standing fishing industry. A vital necessity for this is the management of mangrove plantation. Unfortunately, in recent years, numerous mangrove sites have been removed from the river banks. Instead, many locals favour salt plantations, as these offer a greater short-term profit. This has contributed to a severe increase in illegal fishing within the province.

The aim of this project is to conserve mangrove plantations. The objective is to reverse the trend of removing mangrove sites, which has seen a rapid increase during recent years as local salt farms have taken precedence. This can realistically only be achieved through the education of younger generations, combined with the continual physical work of planting new mangroves.

*Do consider this job requires physical strength and endurance in hot weather conditions. In addition, your work will vary from day to day.  

As a participant in this project, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team environment, engaging in various tasks. These may include planting mangrove trees, monitoring water quality, conducting surveys, and assisting with community outreach programs. No prior experience is necessary, as the subject matter expert will provide comprehensive training and guidance throughout the project. Being open-minded and adaptable to different cultural settings is essential.

Your  tasks may involve:

• Planting young mangrove seedlings, removing invasive species, and monitoring the health of existing mangroves.
• Assisting with maintenance work in the plant nursery and planting terrestrial trees around the site.
• Collecting data on the terrain, tree health, and environmental changes.
• Conducting fish catch surveys and identifying species present in the mangrove channels.
• Contributing to the development of outreach and educational materials, such as posters, presentations, and videos. You will also engage with the local community and participate in community outreach activities, including visits to the local community centre. This will provide you with insights into the local culture and traditions while raising awareness about the significance of mangroves.

Throughout the project, the subject matter expert will be available to provide necessary training and support. Daily activities will be planned on-site by the subject matter expert, considering project requirements and needs.

Location

Located 7 kilometers away from Kampot, the project takes place in a very rural area of Cambodia where you will be able to enjoy nature at its fullest, either by jumping into the river, taking a boat ride to the delta or simply staring at the myriad of stars that light up the sky at night. Kampot, situated in south western region of Cambodia is becoming very popular due to it’s abundance of natural beauty and french cultural heritage. This area is often viewed as the place which reflects the true Cambodia. Slow paced, relaxed yet vibrant with a beautiful environment and landscape. The French architectural legacy still remains in many parts of this town.