Ecotours and Community Based Activities

Ecotourism - "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

 

Siem Reap province is full of natural and man-made wonders, from the temples of Angkor, to the river carvings of Kbal Spean and the vastness of Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in SE Asia.  It is also home to nearly 1 million people, many of whom have emigrated from other areas of Cambodia in search of a better future.  In addition, around 2 million tourists visit the area each year.

 
Tourism developments and other human activities stress the environment and natural resources.  Ecotourism aims to make as positive an impact as possible.

 
During your visit we encourage the use of Responsible Tour Operators. Many of the projects we support, and some of our businesses, provide community-based ecotours, supporting the local people and the environment as well as giving you a more meaningful experience.

 

 

Some considerations when selecting an ecotour operator: Support projects and tour operators that establish long-term relationships with the communities Ensure the project is financially transparent, e.g. how much of the tour cost goes to the community Does the project or tour operator employ local people?   How does the community directly benefit from the activities? Are visitors given background information before the tour?  This should include historical and cultural understanding as well as explanation on why the projects being supported are of value to the community Be mindful of disrupting the everyday life of families, children and their daily tasks - how does your involvement become valuable for the long-term well-being of the community?

Several of our project and business members provide ecotours:       ConCERT member projects   ConCERT business members