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Osmose
Who we are
Linking community-based conservation,
ecotourism & environmental education
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Osmose, a not-for-profit
association, has implemented a
pilot conservation and
development project in 3
floating villages of the Prek
Toal area, Tonle Sap Lake. The
site is critical for the
survival of several species of
endangered waterbirds. The
project aims to link
preservation of waterbird
colonies to the sustainable
development of local
communities. In addition to
saving seven bird species from
extinction, over 130 families
benefit from our project.
In
essence, our program is an environmental awareness endeavour combining
short-term priorities (saving the bird colonies from extinction),
long-term ownership building (environmental education) and economic
incentives (direct and indirect benefits to target groups). |
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What we do
Through a jointly managed program with the
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Osmose
has developed an integrated approach through
three types of programmes:
Conservation: close protection of waterbird
colonies by a local conservation team
employing 25 villagers, half of them being
former bird collectors
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Education: indoor and outdoor environmental
classes for over 1,100 children, instilling
care and appreciation for their natural
environment. Ecotourism: organisation of guided tours to
the bird sanctuary and floating villages for
small groups aiming to provide alternative
income-generating activities for villagers
In addition, we have developed a floating
gardens project to assist 54 families in
growing products for both consumption and
sale. We also support the revival of local
knowledge of water hyacinth weaving, which
the community sells as handicrafts. This has
helped to improve the livelihoods of 24
village women and to reduce the spread of
water hyacinth on the lake. We also provide
health and schooling assistance to the
poorest families.
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What you can experience
Take a tour on the great Tonle Sap Lake to see Prek Toal Wildlife
Sanctuary and the endangered bird species of Cambodia. This includes
tours of the floating villages and other points of interest such as
crocodile farm, pagoda and observation of fishing techniques.
Visit the Osmose office in Siem Reap to learn more about what we do.
Purchase publications, posters or village handicrafts woven from water
hyacinth and support a valuable project.
Contact us
Telephone: 012 832 812
Email: osmose@online.com.kh
Sourced: Stay Another Day
New Recreation - Stay Another Day in Cambodia |
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