Conservation and Environment Volunteering in Cambodia

Cambodia may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering volunteering on a marine conservation project, however, Cambodia has over 400km of coastline on the tropical Gulf of Thailand and our pioneering conservation project is at the forefront of protecting and researching the marine life in this area.

Our Conservation Project in Cambodia is based on the stunning island of Koh Rong Samloem in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is a two hour boat ride from the lively coastal town of Sihanoukville. The island is home to a small fishing village and three major beaches with many more smaller uninhabited beaches to be explored. Cambodia's best dive sites are close by, including the rare seahorse breeding grounds with a chance to see as many as twenty seahorses in one dive.

The last few years in Cambodia have seen a significant growth in tourism in the coastal towns and it is vital to protect the marine environment threatened by this development. The Cambodian government has limited resources with which to conduct scientific research and monitoring of the marine environment. As a result, further decline of Cambodia's marine resources is expected. Worryingly, Cambodia's seas are home to many rare and endangered species, including many species of seahorses, dugong, green turtles and horseshoe crabs.

Another problem has arisen from intensive fishing through unsustainable means and encroachment by fisherman on coastal reefs and breeding grounds. This is threatening the biodiversity and health of many species and habitats. The Conservation Project in Cambodia aims to address these issues and offer comprehensive protection for biodiversity and establish new protected sites.

Volunteer Conservation & Environment in Cambodia: Diving & Marine Project

Join our Conservation & Environment project in Cambodia and one of the first things that you'll be doing is learning how to scuba dive. We will train you up to the level of Advanced Scuba Diver, helping you to learn the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of diving in the clear warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This allows you to dive to depths of 30m and participate fully in the underwater conservation work.

We work in partnership with a local scuba centre, Diving 4 Conservation, which employs fully qualified instructors and dive masters.

Your Role as a Volunteer on the Diving & Marine Conservation Project in Cambodia

Current investigative projects include seahorse surveys, coral bleaching surveys and reef fish surveys to name a few. All volunteers are trained by our scientific staff in marine research and on-the-ground conservation. Volunteers will be taught to understand the terminology, procedures and methodology of Reef Check and Coral Watch surveys and will conduct scientific studies on several active research projects.

Volunteers are also involved in important community work on the island which includes environmental awareness activities with local children. New projects are constantly being developed and new ideas are always welcome. This is ideal for any volunteers who are studying marine biology for example and those who may have a specific plan of research that they wish to pursue.

Volunteers who are unable to scuba dive or who are not interested in the scuba related work can get involved in some of the marine work by snorkelling, or can focus on the land based conservation programme.

A work schedule is established each week so you know what is happening and when. The schedule varies, depending on the time of year, the weather and the number of volunteers on the project. Volunteers will work five days a week, so you will have two days off to relax, travel or get involved in some of the many other activities the area offers.

You'll live in a rustic wooden bungalow or dormitory on the island shared with other conservation volunteers. Electricity is provided by a generator which is turned off at night. There is a restaurant and communal area next to the accommodation where volunteers will eat together in the evenings and when not out in the field.