Accumulation of human waste and litter along the coasts and major rivers present a very real danger to marine life, even on our base island Ach Seh. Although we clean our beaches regularly, we still can’t keep up with the speed of trash washing up on our shore. To stop this, MCC is committed to working with the Cambodian government, local communities and schools to change the way they use and dispose of plastics and waste.
Cambodia faces a colossal plastic problem, with around 10 million plastic bags used daily in the capital alone (UNDP Cambodia, 2019). Most of the country’s plastic waste travels down major rivers, such as the Mekong and ends up in the ocean. They trap marine animals and destroy habitats, before they eventually break down into micro-plastics and harmful chemicals that are ingested by marine life and humans.
Impact on marine life
Washed away trash on Koh Seh
what we do: Research on type of trash with OC
Top found items picture
Large-scale beach clean with government
What we do Outreach and education: include upcycling
Plastic bottle boat pic when finished
Planned: Set up a disposal system
Beach clean-ups
Reef clean
We clean our reefs and around the archipelago weekly.