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About Marine Conservation Cambodia

Project Location Kep, Koh Seh Island

Koh Ach Seh Island is located in the southern part of Kep Province. The little town of Kep is the closest populated area to the island. By boat it takes roughly 1 hour to reach Koh Seh from the Pier in Kep, but that can change depending on weather and sea conditions. The Cambodian forces used Koh Seh as an outpost during the war with Vietnam. It is the furthest island from the mainland, in the area, and the closest island to Vietnam. The island is uninhabited except for a small marine police station and of course Marine Conservation Cambodia. A lush tropical paradise, the island is full of fruit tress, which were planted as a food source by the Cambodian forces, and scattered with old military bunkers as well. The MCC base is located in a small but protective cove offering us shelter form the weather especially during rainy season. The little bay also contains our home reef, which provides the MCC team with a beautiful reef to explore and survey without needing to take a boat ride. It is a shallow reef, but given it is close to shore it offers calm waters making for enjoyable safe diving conditions. These conditions are also extremely helpful in training new divers and collecting crucial data from surveys. The island has many walking trails allowing for beautiful nature hikes or a walk up the hill to catch a sunset. Koh Seh is a small island only taking a little over an hour to walk around depending on the tides.

 

Besides being responsible for the management and protection of Koh She, Marine Conservation Cambodia is also responsible for 13 other island reefs in the area. Along with these 13 other reefs MCC maintains roughly 3000ht of seagrass beds within Kep Province. These costal waters in Kep Province are home to a vast diversity of marine life. Dolphins, turtles, sea horses, crabs, and countless other species can be found in these waters, making it a beautiful place to call home.

 

The town of Kep is roughly a 3-hour drive from Phnom Penh; roughly 2 hours form Sihanoukville, and roughly 30 minutes from Kampot. There are multiple ways to get to Kep including private taxi, bus, or Tuktuk. It is an extremely friendly, safe, peaceful, and relaxed area of Cambodia. On the weekends you will find many locals from Phnom Penh coming to Kep in order to escape the hustle of the city. There is a small but beautiful beach in Kep, along with restaurants, and accommodations. A few stores and markets litter the streets making Kep a great place to stroll around and take in the culture. There is very limited shopping and almost zero nightlife in Kep, but that just adds to the relaxing sleepy feel of the town. With a beautiful national park only minutes away or the bustling crab market, there is plenty to explore.

Categories
About Marine Conservation Cambodia

Marine Conservation Cambodia, Who Are We?

 

Marine Conservation Cambodia VolunteersWho we are is a fairly simple question to answer. Marine Conservation Cambodia’s volunteer and internship program came to be simply out of necessity. The rate in which the Cambodian waters and local fishing communities were being destroyed was unprecedented. It was not inconceivable that the fishing industry and livelihood of the fisherman would have vanished in 10 years. If this had happened it would have been more than a loss of income for these families. It would also have been the loss of a significant and fundamental part of their culture, potentially forever.

 

 

Illegal trawling by catchThe practices used for fishing were getting ever more destructive as fish stocks plummeted and the demand for sea products increased. From dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, electric fishing, to the massive trawling nets that destroy everything without discretion. All aspects of the sea were being decimated, the dynamite and cyanide destroying and poisoning the reefs, the electric fishing killing every fish, invertebrate, or living organism they pass over regardless of the sex, size, or species, and the massive trawling nets that uproot the sea grass, break the reefs and basically kill everything they come in contact with. It simply needed to be stopped. 

 

The country of Cambodia has had a very rough and hard history making their transition into what the country is today a very difficult one. Many aspects regarding the environment were simply overlooked. This wasn’t because Cambodia did not care; they simply had other more important pressing priorities to deal with. Mainly the welfare of their people for starters because what good is protecting the environment if you don’t have a population to enjoy it?

 

Volunteers Clean up the OceanMarine Conservation Cambodia saw the country needed help and decided to step in. At first it was a difficult process, as foreigners coming in trying to change things was not looked highly upon. Making sure that volunteers and interns understood about Cambodian culture and had an understanding of how to interact in a developing country was not an easy task. Also the fishing industry is big money in many Asian countries, so some important people would be facing a serious loss of income. Rumors spread that MCC was here to stop fishing all together and groups were formed to chase MCC out of the country. After years of hard work, playing the political game, and simply letting our actions speak for themselves, quite quickly the local communities realized we were here to help. As time went on the Cambodian government also realized our goal was not to end fishing, but to achieve a sustainable and also a responsible way of fishing whilst supporting local communities and help to increase Cambodia’s marine resources.

 

Marine Conservation Cambodia and the volunteers that have joined us along the way, have made a huge impact in protecting Cambodian waters but many of these destructive practices are still happening. Another threat to Cambodian waters is an influx of foreign fishing boats illegally entering Cambodian waters to fish, as some neighboring waters are almost completely fished out. The Cambodian government simply does not have the resources to stop this, Our work at Marine Conservation Cambodia and the work of our volunteers and interns continues and we are here to make that big difference that is so desperately needed.

 

Collaboration With Royal Government of CambodiaAfter the successes in creating and protecting Cambodia’s First Large Marine fisheries management area around the Koh Rong Archipelago, We were invited by the Royal Government of Cambodia to begin our work again in Kep province. After the initial marine research reports were produced by our Marine Scientists, volunteers and interns, they were accepted by the National Fisheries Administration and Kep’s provincial government leading to the approval of Keps first MFMA (Marine Fisheries Management Area) being created. This new MFMA around the Kep Archipelago is already seeing the return of many species that had disappeared from the area. We are seeing reefs begin to grow again in a healthy way. Sea grass is re-growing offering important shelter to crabs and other marine organisms, and seahorses are also starting to make a slow comeback. Seeing this is the greatest reward MCC, and everyone of our volunteers and interns can receive. Millions of dollars would not even come close to the satisfaction MCC feels knowing what we are doing is truly making a difference for the beautiful country of Cambodia.

 

Have a look through our website and if volunteering or taking an academic internship with MCC is of interest to you do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more then happy to answer any question you have. One person started MCC, so it is simple proof one volunteer can make a difference!

 

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News

What we are up to right now

Currently there is so much activity happening at MCC, 

Our trial aquaculture program is now underway, with a low cost blue swimmer crab culture system on trial, this could provide an alternative income to local fishers whilst creation a full cycle between, capture fisheries, crab banks and crab aquaculture. 

 Crab Aquaculture Crab Culture Trial 

All our long staying interns are working hard getting the last few months of surveys written up into a series of reports on 3 target islands in Kep Province, with this being finalised by an executive summery containing recommendations on zoning, marine protected areas, waste-management, aquaculture possibilities and capture fisheries management.

 Our Office The Office Survey Reports

The first stages of community development work are now underway, with regular visits to Koh Pou Island to visit the fishing families that live there, looking at alternative livelihoods, waste management. Some very interesting information and ideas have come from the initial surveys/interviews, which is also being written up and used in the planning of our community development work plan.

 Community Development  Community work

We must not forget the Seahorses, our small protected area is attracting some new visitors and we have seen at least three different species over the past few weeks and it seems our area is attracting some very large pregnant male seahorses, this ongoing research will begin showing trends and hopefully help us to adapt our zoning and management plans to help protect them through out Kep.

 Seahorse Research Seahorse Survey Seahorses Cambodia

Always ongoing is the cataloging of  Marine Species around our three main target islands, with an increase in both diversity and abundance, it looks like our efforts are bringing change and that the future looks bright.

 

 

Categories
News

This is not Voluntourism, this is real Conservation

We think it is very important to make clear that we are NOT a voluntourism organisation, we do not offer thinly disguised diving holidays as conservation programs, our work has been ongoing for the past 7 years and is now breaking new ground in Kep province. We focus on both the Conservation (protection) and the research of Cambodia’s Ocean and currently focus our full resources on Kep’s Ocean in preparation and in assistance to the Local government in the creation of Kep’s new Marine Protected areas.

Why pay 1000’s of $$$ to large profit based voluntourism companies?

We keep our fee’s to a minimum as we do NOT take two thirds of your cash for profits like some large organisations, for less than a quarter of the cost of any large volunteer agency, you can join our program and really contribute your skills while being taught new ones, Our internship programs have been providing the perfect setting and facilities for higher education students to fulfil their university requirements for many years. Our short staying volunteers get to join a fully operation program getting them involved quickly and utilising their existing skills while offering a chance to see a working conservation and research program and pick up some new skills. 

 

 

Categories
Volunteering and Internships in Cambodia

Research Training Schedules

Below is a rough guide to the training schedules involved in our three main research areas. schedules for other topics are arranged according to the needs of the topic and project and are to be accessed and organised directly with your respective tutor.

Reef Training

  • Session 1- Introduction to coral reef ecosystems presentation
  • Session 2- Reef fish presentation part 1
  • Session 3- Reef fish presentation part 2
  • Session 4- Reef invertebrates presentation
  • Session 5- Brief reef substrate presentation (extended for those staying for longer than 1 month)
  • Session 5- Reef survey methodology presentation
  • Session 6- Reef survey methodology practical session (to be repeated as required)
  • Session 7- Reef identification and methodology test  (to be repeated as required)

 

Seahorse Training

  • Session 1- Seahorse identification presentation part 1
  • Session 2- Seahorse identification presentation part 2
  • Session 3- Seahorse survey methodology presentation (will also cover appropriate procedures for seahorse encounters)
  • Session 4- Seahorse survey methodology practical session (to be repeated as required)
  • Session 5- Seahorse identification and methodology test (to be repeated as required)

Marine Mammal Training Schedule    

  • Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project.
  • Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques.
  • Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training.
  • Session 4: Marine vessel identification training.
  • Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training.
  • Session 6: Drone footage analysis training.
  • Session 7: Research techniques theory test, followed by feedback and debrief. 
  • Session 8: Theodolite and Pythagoras introduction and training.

In order to become a ‘dolphin survey leader’, the theory test must be passed.

 

All final sessions also cover data entry, analysis and report procedures

Interns and volunteers will also be involved in approximately two diving- based identification sessions per day.

At the end of the land and diving training sessions listed above the interns/volunteers will be required to sit both a written and practical (in-water) test to ensure they are fully trained before being placed on a survey team. If you feel you are ready before the training sessions have finished, you may take the test early. If you pass, you can move onto the survey team earlier than scheduled.

It is important to note that each training area will have an assigned staff tutor who is available to give extra assistance and knowledge wherever needed.

Categories
Marine Conservation Cambodia Volunteering

Volunteers and Interns needed

Cambodia’s Leading Marine Conservation and Research Organisation

Protecting Cambodia’s Oceans since 2008

Whilst still being a grassroots organisation we are rapidly expanding our research programs to include aquarium research alongside field research and we need volunteers and interns with experience in Marine biology, Marine ecology and Marine conservation to help us keep up the momentum we have built over the past 6 years.

Our university internship programs are a chance to put into practice what you have learnt already while getting valuable research experience in the field and your work with us actually gets used to help highlight the habitats and marine species in need of protection.
Our current university interns have been integrating into Khmer culture and really putting their knowledge into practice working together closely with our partner organizations and The Royal Government of Cambodia.

Even if you do not have research expertise in these areas, but you have self motivation and a passion to volunteer and make a difference then you can get involved in many aspects of the volunteer work we are undertaking here in Cambodia.
For those with little or no experience we provide basic training in areas of Marine and terrestrial research, so that you can still contribute to the goals of the project.

As the longest running and most experienced marine research program in Cambodia MCC has proven itself many times to be Cambodia’s leading Marine Conservation and Research Organisation, you can make a difference across all of Cambodia’s coastal provinces. Our field research covers over 20 of Cambodia’s Islands and three provinces so your not limited in your choices and you can experience the real Cambodia. Our captive breeding and aquarium research together with our field research is essential to the conservation of Cambodia’s marine habitats. We don’t just talk about it, we do it !! and your contribution makes an immediate impact.

Please email us if you are looking to be involved in a project that really makes a difference.

Our project is only made possible by you.

Categories
Volunteering and Internships in Cambodia

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Incoming Volunteers and Interns

This is a quick fire guide relating to the basics of your stay with us, for anything internship or academic related please contact us with your enquiry and one of our researchers will get back to you as soon as possible.

Q: Where is Marine Conservation Cambodia located?

Marine Conservation Cambodia’s main location is on the island of Koh Seh in Kep Province

Q: How do I get to Marine Conservation Cambodia?

A: For volunteers arriving in Phnom Penh, frequent and inexpensive ($5-10) buses run from Phnom Penh to Kep. Capitol or Sorya bus companies are popular and recommended. A Marine Conservation Cambodia boat connecting to the island leaves from Kep to Koh Seh at approximately 3:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Please contact MCC at least one week prior to your arrival to confirm your date of arrival in Kep and our staff will help you arrange your travel on the free boat out to the island. Taxi’s and airport pick ups can be arranged if requested.

Q: What type of visa should I get for volunteering in Cambodia?
A: General tourist visas ($25 USD) that are good for 30 days are available at all border crossings into Cambodia and at the international airports. These visas can be renewed only once for an additional 30 days and you can renew them easily on mainland in Sihanoukville. If you hope to travel within Cambodia and volunteer with MCC for more than 60 days, it is advised you obtain a business/“ordinary” visa ($35 USD) that can be renewed for three, six, nine or 12 months. More information on Cambodian visas can be found : http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/

Q: What length of time can I volunteer at MCC?

A: Most Marine Conservation Cambodia volunteers stay with the project for at least one or two months, but many volunteers and interns stay for mid- or long-term placements that can last up to six months or longer. It is beneficial for both the individual and the organization to allow enough time for the volunteer to obtain his or her scuba certification (open water and advanced) and be trained on Reef Check survey methodology so that they can become a contributing member of the conservation efforts. Diving certification and survey methodology training can take between two to three weeks to complete. Volunteers who choose to stay for only a few weeks will find that they are just hitting their stride as a volunteer right as it’s time for them to depart the island. We believe that volunteers who can take the time to stay for at least a month or longer will have a more rewarding and multi-faceted experience at MCC.

Q: What type of clothing should I bring for my work at Marine Conservation Cambodia?

A: Clothing should be suitable for warm/hot, humid weather, so light, quick-drying fabrics are essential in the tropical climate. Due to the frequent dive and snorkeling schedule, we suggest that you bring at least two swimsuits/swim trunks to alternate between. Out of respect to the Khmer culture, female volunteers are required to remain covered while in the village, on the beaches and on the dive boat, so please be prepared with shirts and shorts that you can swim in daily. We recommend rash guard shirts (often used for surfing and diving) and board shorts or lightweight running shorts. Many volunteers also find it useful to wear socks under their fins to reduce rubbing and blisters from frequent diving. Your work at MCC will also include beach clean-ups and physical work that may require you to get dirty, so please bring clothing suited for working in hot weather. Many volunteers also bring sports sandals or amphibious shoes that can handle wet conditions and protect their feet while doing beach clean-ups and walking through water and over rocks and sand. It’s also good to be prepared with a rain jacket or poncho for occasional rain storms. Many of these items can be purchased on mainland in Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh if you are in need of extra supplies before you arrive or during your time at MCC.

Q: Is there any specialized gear I should bring with me to the island?

A: MCC provides jugs of purified drinking water, so we advise bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated while you work. (It also helps reduce the waste of purchasing bottled water in the village.) Volunteers may also find quick-drying camp/travel towels useful, along with waterproof bags or pouches to keep their valuables dry and sand-free on the beach and boats. When diving and surveying, it is helpful to have a waterproof (good for up to 25 meters) digital watch that can be used to time your dives. Additionally, volunteers are recommended to bring their own mask, snorkel and fins to use for diving and snorkeling (MCC provides shared equipment, so this gear is not compulsory). A waterproof camera or waterproof housing for your camera (good for at least 15 meters deep) is also a useful and fun tool for diving. Lastly, waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen is essential for working in the strong sun and mosquito repellant for keeping the bugs at bay. It is not necessary to bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad or mosquito net. (Note: Please see the information further below about what gear MCC provides for our volunteers during your placement.)

Q: Do I need to bring a personal first aid kit with me to the island?

A: We do have a fully stocked first aid kit but we also recommend that you bring your own. Due to the nature of the work and the tropical environment, it is important to bring a first aid kit with you. Volunteers often find themselves dealing with bug bites and small cuts or scratches that have become infected due to the frequent diving and living in a damp, tropical environment. We suggest that your first aid kit contain the following:

  • insect repellant
  • cortisone cream for insect bites
  • wound cleaner (such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine and/or alcohol wipes)
  • antibacterial ointment
  • a good supply of bandages/plasters in a variety of sizes
  • gauze
  • sport tape
  • butterfly stitches (ie. 3M Steri Strips)
  • tensor bandage
  • We also suggest you bring the standard supplies and medications for travel to Southeast Asia:
    anti-malarial pills
  • antibiotics (gastro intestinal and respiratory) Please Note: Bacteria in Southeast Asia has developed resistance to ciprofloxacin, so please make sure to check your government’s travel safety web site before you make your purchases. If you are not allergic to the Penicillin family, it is recommended that you use amoxicillin or biaxin.
  • allergy medication for insect bites
  • cold medicationdecongestant
  • anti-diarrheal medication
  • anti-nausea medication
  • pain and fever medication
  • fungal/yeast medication

If you find in need of additional first aid supplies, most supplies and medications can be purchased at pharmacies on mainland in Sihanoukville. The medications are all inexpensive and “over-the-counter” and they do not require prescriptions from a doctor. MCC also has a first aid kit on hand for emergencies, but we encourage our volunteers to arrive on the island prepared to take care of themselves.

Q: It is necessary to take malaria pills in Cambodia?

A: Cambodia is within a malarial zone; however there has not been a case of malaria on Koh Rong Samloem in over five years. There have been cases of malaria reported in the central and northern parts of Cambodia, so it would be wise to take preventative measures if you plan to travel into those areas either before or after your time volunteering at MCC. It is up to each individual to protect themselves in the way they see fit. Anti-malarial medication can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies on mainland in Sihanoukville.

Q: Do I need travel or health insurance in order to volunteer at MCC?

A: Though it is not compulsory to obtain insurance in order to volunteer with our organization, we highly recommend that you have coverage from a company in your home country. In the off chance of a medical emergency or damage or theft of your belongings, MCC will not be responsible to cover the costs associated. We like smart volunteers and smart volunteers get insurance coverage.

Q: Is it safe to bring valuables with me to the island?

A: There is very little crime on the island, but we recommend that all valuables (phones, cameras, mp3 players, tablets, laptops, etc.) are kept stored out of sight when they’re not in use. The volunteer bungalows can be locked but volunteers seldom choose to do so for the sake of convenience. Some volunteers bring small luggage locks to keep their valuables stored in their backpack after they’ve unpacked and settled into their bungalow. The tropical environment is often damp and sandy and insects are quite prevalent throughout the volunteer accommodation, so please use your best judgment with your electronics. MCC cannot take responsibility for any damaged, lost or stolen items, so we recommend you refrain from bringing anything that you couldn’t stand to lose.

Q: As an MCC volunteer, what is provided to me during my time volunteering for the organization?

A: MCC provides our volunteers with three hot meals a day, drinking water, tea and coffee in the main bungalow. All volunteers are provided with shared oceanfront accommodation (four people per bungalow) which includes a bed, pillow, linen, a light blanket and a mosquito net. It is not necessary to bring a sleeping bag. Volunteers who participate in scuba diving are provided with a mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit and a full scuba kit.

Q: What type of food is provided for volunteers?

A: Our local Khmer staff cooks three hot meals daily for our volunteers. The food is entirely Cambodian cuisine which contains lots of rice, vegetables, eggs and meat. We also give the opportunity for volunteers to get involved in the kitchen and show us their culinary skills.

Q: What is the volunteer accommodation like?

A: Our volunteers live in traditional-styled bungalows that are divided by gender. Each beach bungalow sleeps four volunteers and includes two twin-sized bunk beds and a bathroom. The bathroom has a western-styled toilet and a bucket shower.

Q: Do I need to be scuba certified to volunteer with MCC?

A: About 50 percent of the work done at MCC is done whilst scuba diving so it is best if volunteers can dive and fully participate in the project. If you are not already open water certified our staff can provide you with the appropriate training for different levels of PADI certification. We recommend that all of our volunteers become advanced certified so they have the navigation and buoyancy skills necessary to work on our reef and seahorse survey teams. The cost of certification is not included in your weekly volunteer fee. Courses and relevant certifications are available as follows:
Open Water Diver
Advanced Diver
Open Water & Advanced Package
Rescue Diver – Including Emergency First Responder certification -OR- $300 USD if you already hold a current EFR certification
Dive Master: Option available for volunteers staying for a minimum of three months. Price can be discussed with an MCC staff member prior to your arrival or during your stay.

Q: What type of volunteer work can I participate in at MCC?

A: Our work days are split into two parts: water- and land-based activities. Volunteers who are advanced diver certified will be trained in survey methodology and participate in seahorse or reef surveys twice daily. The seahorse surveys contribute to our research that is establishing population demographics, distributions, possible migration patterns and mating habits. The reef surveys help us keep record of various indicator species densities and sizes to help monitor our success at protecting the reefs that surround Kep Archipelago. The data we collect is analyzed and compiled quarterly into reports that are sent to the Cambodian government to help plan future conservation strategies. Volunteers with educational and/or professional backgrounds that would allow them to contribute to data collection and analysis or report writing are strongly encouraged to apply for an internship at MCC.

Q: I have an idea for a special project I would like to execute during my time with MCC. Is this allowed?

A: The MCC team encourages volunteers to identify areas where they can utilize their background and experience to contribute to the conservation and community projects. If you have a particular skill set or idea, many projects are feasible utilizing recycled or inexpensive materials. If you have idea before your arrival, feel free to email them to MCC staff for preapproval. Most volunteers arrive at MCC and quickly identify special ways they can assist.

Q: What is the work schedule like for MCC volunteers?

A: Volunteers work Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. every day. You can expect to start your day with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. before beginning your work. Each day is split with diving during half of the day and land-based activities during the other half of the day and the schedule alternates depending on the tides and diving conditions. Advanced certified divers participating in the surveys generally have the opportunity to dive twice daily. Lunch is served at 12:00 p.m. and work resumes at 1:00 p.m. Expect to stay busy and participate in a full day of work until 5:00 p.m. and have a short break before dinner is served at 7:00 p.m. Following dinner, the MCC staff hosts trivia games, conservation documentary films and occasional information sessions.

Q: What is there to do in my free time on the island?

A: Volunteers have nights and weekends off, so there is ample free time to fill. Many volunteers arrive with games and playing cards to fill the time between activities and after meals. MCC also has an extensive lending library/book exchange filled with a wide variety of literature and science books. Our volunteers are welcome to go for “fun dives” (non-survey dives) on the weekend as well as snorkeling on the reef. Swimming, sunbathing and lounging in the multitude of hammocks that hang in the bungalows are also great ways to pass time. Groups of volunteers can arrange jungle treks and fishing trips with local guides who charge a small fee ($2-5 USD per individual). Games of football or frisbee happen quite frequently on the beach and there are always a lot of village children around who are eager to play games. The locals are very friendly and often excited to practice their English, so we encourage volunteers to spend time in the village getting to know the locals. 

Q: What are the ways I can help MCC with conservation and sustainable practices?
A: It is suggested that volunteers bring their own reusable water bottle and/or cup and a reusable shopping bag to help reduce the waste associated with their purchases in Sihanoukville and M’Pai Bei village. The MCC bungalows are surrounded by the jungle and the sea, so bringing biodegradable/phosphate-free soaps and if at all possible, biodegradable sunscreen (it’s better for the reef!) will lessen your impact on our natural surroundings. Our volunteers often find themselves in the village, interacting with and making purchases from the locals. We expect our volunteers to lead by example by reducing their waste by utilizing their reusable water bottles and cups for drink purchases in the village. It’s also crucial to use the rubbish bins in the village and the recycling and compost bins in the main bungalow.
It is also suggested that volunteers refrain from using insect repellant, deodorant and other products that come in aerosol cans since they cannot be disposed of safely within Cambodia. We also recommend that your electronics use rechargeable batteries (vs. disposable ones) and suggest the purchase of a wind-up, solar powered, or rechargeable torch/flashlight.

Q: Is MCC in need of any materials I could bring with me to donate to the project?

A: Our small English classroom is always in need of basic school supplies such as pencils, pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils, dry erase markers, paper (lined, plain and colored), scissors, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners and more. We also appreciate reading books, workbooks, coloring books, flashcards and games that will assist children with learning English. Additionally, any sporting goods that the kids can use on the beach will be put to good use. Children’s clothing in all sizes can be used widely by the families in the village, as will basic first air supplies. If you have dive gear or technology such as laptops, cameras, etc. that could be useful for our data collection or research, please contact info@marineconservationcambodia.org to discuss the items you would like to donate.

Q: Is there an ATM where I can withdraw money on the island of Koh Rong Samloem?

A: The closest ATM is located right on the pier where our boat leaves from, there is a second located at Kep beach if the first is out off order.
Please Note: The United States Dollar and the Cambodian Riel are widely used and distributed throughout Cambodia. Most prices for transportation, accommodation and food are listed in USD.

Q: How much spending money should I bring with me to the island?

A: Since meals and accommodation are covered by the volunteer participation fee, volunteers usually spend very little money while living on the island. Soft drinks, beer and snacks are at normal shop prices and available at the kitchen.

Q: Does MCC recommend a specific Cambodian mobile phone service provider where I could obtain a SIM card for my unlocked mobile phone?

A: Our staff and volunteers have had success with SIM cards from Hello, Smart, Met Phone and Mobi Phone. The mobile reception on the island is quite weak, so regular access can be difficult even with one of the recommended providers.

Q: Is there wi-fi access and/or a mobile data connection on the island?

A: There is limited internet connection available on the island, smart phones can pick up a weak mobile data signal in most places on the island. The reception is sufficient enough for making phone calls, text messaging and sending/receiving emails, but the data connection is not strong enough for good web browsing.

Q: Are there laundry facilities on the island?

A: Volunteers can choose to hand wash their laundry with provided laundry detergent or to pay $1 USD per kilogram for hand-wash, air-dry laundry service by our local staff. There are machine laundry services available on mainland.

Q: Is there an address where I can receive mail during my stay with MCC?

A: The Cambodian mail system is known for being slow and unreliable at times. We have had instances where parcels have arrived many months after their intended recipient had departed MCC. If you still want to chance it, you can have mail sent to “Post Resante” at the Sihanoukville post office. In theory, the packages that arrive there will be held at the post office for pick-up. Packages should be addressed as follows:

YOUR NAME
Post Resante
Code 18000
(Insert your local Cambodian phone number and email address)
Sihanoukville
Cambodia
18000
If you have additional questions about volunteering with Marine Conservation Cambodia, please feel free to email our staff at info@marineconservationcambodia.org.

 

Categories
Volunteering and Internships in Cambodia

Marine Conservation and Marine Research Internships

With 4 years of experience in Cambodia and a fully operational team of experienced, Marine biologists, Marine ecologists and environmental scientists Marine Conservation Cambodia welcomes international research assistants looking to gain practical conservation and research experience in the field, you can get involved our ongoing Marine research programs, community development projects and obtain your scuba diving qualifications while experiencing life on a beautiful Cambodian island. We need your help and you can really make a difference using our established conservation network. Many of our past interns and volunteers have either continued on to successfully complete their education or moved directly on into full time marine research or conservation work using the practical experience they gained with us.
If you are a non-diver, our experienced PADI instructors can train you up to PADI Advanced open Water Level within the first two weeks of your stay, after which you will be ready for training in underwater marine survey techniques so you can start collecting data as a marine researcher. You will not only gain personal skills and experience, but the data you collect go’s directly toward the development and maintenance of Cambodia’s First Marine Protected Area.

 

Categories
About Marine Conservation Cambodia

NGO, Business or Charity?

Marine Conservation is of December 2015 officially a National Cambodian NGO,

In the below description you can see what we have been for the past 8 years before being awarded with NGO Status by the Cambodian Government for our hard work, commitment and marine conservation efforts. We are hoping to continue on as we always have creating our own funding, but now with this recent change we can also look at financing some of the more expensive projects through donors and funding options.

We are often asked if Marine Conservation Cambodia is an NGO, a Business, or Charity? It is actually an extremely important question because each one can have a different meaning regarding the activities we are able to do, projects we are allowed to participate in, and most importantly types of funding we are able to receive. It is also not an easy question to answer, but hopefully we can clarify exactly what Marine Conservation Cambodia is.

Marine Conservation Cambodia’s Volunteer and Internship Project is what we like to refer to as a hybrid business organization. At first concept MCC was to become an NGO, but due to lack of financial backing from donors, we were forced to develop a new business model. The needs for urgent marine conservation in the Cambodian waters and the demand for help from the communities around Kep put pressure on us to help the area we now lovingly call home.

The idea of calling MCC a business was a little scary as most businesses are profit driven. MCC was not concerned with profit in any way, but wanted to make an immediate impact on what was threatening this area of Cambodia, so a non-profit business completely sustained by tourism was the new idea. Simply put MCC is a not for profit business that is completely funded by our volunteers. We are not an NGO and do not receive any funding from donors. We are not a charity and do not receive any funding from governments or donations or receive any of the added benefits that come with either of these designations. That being said as a non-profit we have a certain flexibility an NGO or Charity just wouldn’t be able to have.

 

We had to work twice as hard as a standard business would have, to create Marine Conservation Cambodia. The business model needed to achieve funding while at the same time we needed to implement volunteer based conservation and community projects along with the strategies on how to deal with immediate threats to the area. Basically we needed to operate as an NGO, but not actually be an NGO.

 

This might sound like a strange concept for a business, but it is the fundamental backbone of a sustainable tourism based business. To focus on benefiting the local communities and conservation above and beyond anything else. The success and achievements of our current project prove beyond any doubt that sustainable tourism style businesses can be implemented in costal Cambodia.

 

It is easy for some people to say we make money off conservation and volunteering. To be completely honest this is a true statement, but that being said there is a big difference between making money and turning a profit. Every dollar MCC receives from our volunteers and internship fees is used to sustain the conservation and research efforts. It supports the wages of our local Cambodian staff, provides food, accommodation, resources for our volunteers, and is also given back to the local communities in various forms. It is a simple win win situation.

 

You only need to speak with the local communities surrounding us, the relevant authorities or organizations we have assisted over the years to grasp the full concept of a sustainable volunteer and intern based non-profit business. We hope our business model highlights the benefits that can be achieved if more businesses adopted a holistic approach and gave back to the country who’s resources they’ve profited from.

 

When researching your volunteer or internship placement please be aware that a large majority of worldwide voluntourism organisations and volunteer based NGO’s often receive government funding or funding from donors. They make huge profits that are used to pay their executives and directors high salaries, with very little if any money going back into the countries they operate in.

 

Our project is only made possible by volunteers and Interns, which is why we are accountable only to our volunteers and interns. Any profits made by MCC are reinvested back into the conservation project, invested into the communities, or used to sustain MCC during slow periods where volunteer numbers are down. To simply close up shop during these slow periods is not an option, the work must go on. The damage that would be done to ocean and communities while we were closed would be irreversible.

 

If you have any questions or are simply interested in how we operate the project please do not hesitate to ask. We believe in full transparency and rely on the trust of our volunteers. Without that trust our project would simply fail.

 

Please remember when choosing your volunteer or internship placement, NGO’s already receive funding from donors for their activities and many large international volunteer organisations are really just tourism companies making huge profits from voluntourism. Our project is real, grassroots and making a daily difference, this is only made possible by you. 

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