Organisations involved
Implementer
Referring partner
Our mission
STAR Kampuchea (SK) envisions a Cambodia where all citizens live in real democracy, enjoy equal development, peace, and dignity. Its mission focuses on educating communities on human rights, democratic governance, environmental sustainability, climate change, digital literacy, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
In Preah Neat Preah District, Banteay Meanchey Province, SK has supported two thriving community-based conservation projects: the Rohal Kes Avean Community Protected Area (RKA CPA) and the Rohal Lech Sreh Community Fishery (RLS CFi). These initiatives demonstrate how environmental protection, economic development, and community empowerment can go hand in hand.
The project supports more than 300 families. SK has provided training on ecosystem management, species monitoring, and fisheries protection. Regular community patrols have successfully reduced illegal fishing and poaching, leading to biodiversity recovery and improved fish stocks. A community savings group was also formed, enabling families to access loans, invest in agriculture, and improve food security through vegetable gardening. Local leaders praised the collaboration between the community, authorities, and SK for the project’s success and noted its potential for eco-tourism.
Accepting volunteers
Yes | [email protected]Funding campaign*
Yes | https://www.starkampuchea.org.kh/Classification
- Forests
- Freshwaters
- Increases Health & Wellbeing
- Mitigates Climate Change
- Protects Freshwaters
- Reduces Disaster Risks
- Safeguards Biodiversity
- Supports Livelihoods
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Employees3
VolunteersImpact
The project has brought transformative change to the broader community in Preah Neat Preah District, Banteay Meanchey Province, through a comprehensive approach to conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment.
1. Strengthened Conservation and Ecosystem Protection
The project introduced regular community patrols, reforestation efforts, and species monitoring, which significantly improved protection of aquatic ecosystems. With the excavation of a 300-meter canal and the planting of 850 trees, water availability during the dry season has increased, benefiting rare and endangered fish species such as Trey Kray, Trey Slat, and Trey Chlang. According to RLS CFi Treasurer Mr. Yon Sopha, fish populations have rebounded, leading to improved food security with daily household catches of 1–5 kilograms.
2. Enhanced Community Empowerment and Livelihoods
Through training in fisheries management, conservation techniques, and home gardening, the community has gained vital skills. Family vegetable gardens now provide both food and income. A savings group, currently totaling 6,608,000 Riels, has improved financial stability, allowing families to invest in farms and manage emergencies. Ms. Mot Saly noted the group as a "lifeline" for many households.
3. Improved Governance and Community Participation
The initiative has fostered strong partnerships among local authorities, civil society organizations, and the community. As Mr. Thaep Kong, First Deputy Chief of Preah Neat Preah Commune, emphasized, collaborative efforts with STAR Kampuchea, CEPA, WCS, and the Fisheries Administration have strengthened resource management and enforcement against illegal activities.
4. Promotion of Sustainable Tourism
With improved biodiversity and ecosystem health, the RKA CPA is emerging as a model for eco-tourism. Visitors contribute to local economies while supporting conservation efforts, turning environmental stewardship.
