Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The latest environmental threat to emerge are dams on the Mekong River. Environ-
mentalists fear that damming the mainstream Mekong may disrupt the flow patterns of the
river and the migratory patterns of fish (including the critically endangered freshwater Ir-
rawaddy dolphin). Work on the Don Sahong (Siphandone) Dam just north of the Cambod-
ia-Laos border has begun, and plans under consideration include the Sambor Dam, a
massive 3300MW project 35km north of Kratie.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN CAMBODIA
Cambodia has been to hell and back and there are many ways in which you can put a little back into
the country. Staying longer, travelling further and avoiding package tours is obvious advice. For those
on shorter stays, consider spending money in local markets and in restaurants and shops that assist dis-
advantaged locals.
If trekking in minority villages, pay attention to a few basic rules.
The looting of stone carvings from Cambodia's ancient temples has devastated many temples.
Don't contribute to this cultural rape by buying antiquities of any sort - classy reproductions are avail-
able in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, complete with export certificates.
Cambodians dress very modestly and are offended by skimpily dressed foreigners. Just look at the
Cambodians frolicking in the sea - most are fully dressed. Wearing bikinis on the beach is fine but
cover up elsewhere.
The sexual exploitation of children is now taken very seriously in Cambodia. Report anything that
looks like child-sex tourism to the ChildSafe hotlines in
Phnom Penh
( 012 311112),
Siem Reap
(
017 358758) or
Sihanoukville
( 012 478100), or to the national
police hotline
(
023-997919). Tourism establishments that sport the ChildSafe logo have staff trained to protect vul-
nerable children and, where necessary, intervene.
Organisations with lots of practical ideas for responsible travel:
Cambodia Community-Based Ecotourism Network
(
www.ccben.org
) The official website promot-
ing community-based ecotourism in Cambodia. Browse here for more on projects and initiatives
across the country.
ConCERT
( 063-963511;
www.concertcambodia.org
; 560 Phum Stoueng Thmey; 9am-5pm
Mon-Fri) Siem Reap-based organisation 'connecting communities, environment and responsible tour-
ism'.
Friends International
(
www.friends-international.org
) Supports marginalised children and their fam-
ilies and runs the global
ChildSafe
( 023-986601, hotline 012 311112;
www.childsafe-cambod-
8am-5pm Mon-Fri) network to encourage travellers to behave re-
sponsibly with children.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search