Posted on August, 28 2014

With funding support from WWF-PI, WWF-Cambodia in partnership with Wildlife Alliance delivered environmental outreach to four communities surrounding the two protected areas (PAs)(Mondulkiri Protected Forest & Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary) in Mondulkiri province in June. The community outreach presented an opportunity to promote the importance of conserving local biodiversity to adults and children, and hopefully reduce existing pressures and illegal activities within the protected areas.

WWF research and community teams came together and delivered environmental education to 469 students attending five schools in the province. Interactive presentations were delivered on (1) the importance of conserving biodiversity and how the students can be involved, (2) biodiversity existing within the landscape, (3) current threats to biodiversity and (4) WWF presence and work within the Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL). The outreach was a great experience for everyone who was involved, and the school kids had fun with the activities conducted which included colouring pictures of wildlife, producing conservation messages, face painting, and interactive games.

Unfortunately, many of the evening education shows were cancelled due to the heavy rains; however, environmental awareness sessions were provided to 143 community members from four different communities living around Mondulkiri Protected Forest and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary. For future plans, WWF-EPL would like to develop this environmental outreach project into a permanent project if future funding and support is available with the objective of empowering communities living inside and around the PAs to conserve their natural environment and reduce some of the current pressures threatening globally threatened wildlife that it supports.