Chi Phat, a renowned ecotourism community nestled in the Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong province, is facing a challenge which it shares with so much of today’s natural world, plastic waste. The by-product of today’s single use society clogs waterways, endangers wildlife and lingers in ecosystems for centuries.

“Unmanaged plastic pollution now poses a serious threat to the natural ecosystem of Chi Phat, a region nationally and internationally recognised for its successful model of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET),” explained Wildlife Alliance, an international conservation NGO.

“The Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism, a model for sustainable tourism in Cambodia, faces increasing environmental challenges due to the uncontrolled disposal of waste, particularly plastic bottles and bags. This problem, stemming from daily activities and limited community awareness, damages the area's natural beauty, threatens biodiversity and community health and diminishes the visitor experience. If unresolved, this issue will harm Chi Phat's reputation as an ecotourism destination and jeopardise the community's long-term economic benefits,” explained On Sovann – Chief of Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism.

The community has launched the “Chi Phat No Plastic Campaign”, which be officially held on April 28. The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Environment’s efforts, as well as the seventh-mandate government’s national goals for waste reduction and sustainable tourism, as well as global efforts to combat plastic pollution.

“Wildlife Alliance believes in and supports the initiative and efforts of Chi Phat community members and the CBET of the ‘No Plastic’ campaign, as this plays a main role in keeping the environment clean and healthy,” said Dr. Suwanna Gauntlett, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wildlife Alliance, during a pre-event press conference held at Wildlife Alliance office, Phnom Penh, on April 24, to show their complete support to the Chi-Phat community.

The NGO encourages everyone to join and support the community-based ecotourism initiative of “No Plastic in Chi Phat”.