Cambodia: Marine Conservation Adventure

Explore the culture and endangered coral reefs of Cambodian islands.

2

Everything you need to know about the Cambodia Marine Conservation Adventure

The program will change your

life. You will go back to your country a more compassionate,

hardworking, and heartfelt

person.— Katelyn

3

More than one-quarter of Cambodians live below the poverty line, earning less than $1.25 per day.

Malnutrition is the main cause of child mortality and illness in Cambodia. Only 24% of Cambodian children eat an appropriate diet.

Only 15% of rural Cambodians have access to adequate sanitation, and 35% do not have access to safe water.

About 23% of young women and 16% of young men are illiterate.

Yes! Every person has the ability to make a difference, and this is your opportunity to reach out and help! Between 2011 and 2013, our volunteers have removed over 15 tonnes of rubbish from polluted island beaches, built village school facilities, built a clean-water catchment and filtration system, and helped to expand and develop the first and only official Cambodian

protected marine environment. From homes to classrooms, from new

food sources to supplies of clean water and medications, each of our activities has made a real difference.

Why volunteer in Cambodia?

Can you make a difference?

4

The islands we work on are in the Gulf of Thailand off the port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The warm and pale blue waters of coastal Cambodia harbour a rich and diverse marine habitat. This extraordinary biodiversity sustains the coastal fishing communities and provides the basis for a future tourism industry.

For two weeks, you will be living and working on a tropical island, far removed from the tourist trail. You will be helping to preserve some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, which have been badly damaged by harmful fishing practices, including commercial trawling.

108104

12

12 12

16

CaoLanh

LongXuyenMy �o

VinhLong

Ca Mau

Bac Lieu

Soc Trang

Can �oTra Vinh

Ben Tre

Tan An

Tay Ninh

Vung Tau

Dong Xoai

GiaNghia

Bien HoaPhan �iet

Da Lat

BuonMa �uot

Phan Rang-�ap Cham

Nha Trang

Tuy Hoa

Quy Nhon

Pleiku

Kon Tum

DacTo

Quang Ngai

Tam Ky

Da Nang

Hue

Dong Hoi

Dong HaQuang Tri

Ha Tinh

Vinh

Rach Gia

Phnom Penh

KâmpóngCham

Kâmpóng�um

Kâmpong Spóe

Kâmpôt

KrongKaôh Kong

Siem ReapAngkor Wat

StœngTrêng

Lumphat

Krâchéh

Pakxé

Attapu

Salavan

Savannakhét

Muang Khammouan

Muang Pakxan

Vientiane

SvayRieng

Bangkok

Sattahip

Udon �ani

Nong Khai

Sakon Nakhon

Si Sa Ket

UbonRatchathani

WarinChamrap

Surin

Sara Buri

NakhonRatchasima

Loei

Nan

Phitsanulok

Aranyaprathet

Basuo Shiliu

Sanya

Ho Chi Minh City

�uDau Mot

Sihanoukville

Sisophon

Batdâmbâng

Nakhon Phanom

Khon Kaen

LocNinh

Ha Tien

ChauDoc

Pouthisat

Phumi Samraông

Trat

Xaignabouli

MuangXépôn

Dien Chau

Ron

Ninh Hoa

Cam Ranh

T o n k i n

G u l fo f

� a i l a n d

S o u t hC h i n a

S e aLam Nam Chi

Mae Nam Mun

Meko n g

Xe

Kong

Mekong

Tônlé Sr ê pôk

TonleSap

Nam Ngum

Ubon RatReservoir

SirikitReservoir

Ho Tri An

Ho Dau Tieng

Mae

N

Mae

Nam

Cha o

Phraya

Lam Chi

Ca Dao

Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Re

Cu Lao �u

Con Dao

Dao PhuQuoc

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

V I E T N A M

L A O S

Primary Road

0 50 100 Miles

0 50 100 Kilometers

Whereabouts in Cambodia will I be?

We were on an island in the middle of nowhere! And it was awesome! I got more from this trip than I ever thought I could, and my team lead kept me laughing and going the whole time! — Ryan

5

I feel like I made a positive impact on the community through my hard work. Through this, the community will soon have a teacher’s house as well as the start of a very large artificial reef to bring back the beauty that pollution and trawling have taken away. — Tanner

You will be working on one of our building projects. These have included constructing reef pods and placing them on the seabed to create a marine environment for fish breeding and a sustainable source of protein for the villagers; building a water-catchment and supply facility to provide clean water to the village and help them maintain their vegetable supply; developing a playground for the local children; renovating community buildings such as the medical clinic; and installing new infrastructure such as water pumps and rubbish-disposal facilities.

You may also be spending time teaching the local children and villagers about the importance of environmental awareness and disposing rubbish responsibly. Sometimes our volunteers lead daily classes in English and mathematics for the village children.

Continues…

What will I be doing?

6

You will also be helping with one of our marine-conservation projects. Our diving instructors have been PADI qualified in Canada to the highest SCUBA diving level. Upon mastering how to dive, you will use your skills to work underwater, developing the reef program, monitoring local marine-life populations and patterns,

removing tangled nets from coral reefs, collecting rubbish from reefs and underwater areas, and monitoring the implementation of protected zones.

A key part of this program is monitoring the success of the regeneration program for unique populations of marine life such as the local seahorse.

It was really cool

doing seahorse

surveys and recording them once

we had our PADI

licenses. — Adrienne

What will I be doing? …continued

7

Being able to teach the kids every day was an amazing experience. Seeing their faces light up at the opportunity of education and seeing them being so eager to latch on to every word that comes out of your mouth was such a beautiful experience. — Adrienne

I give my diving experience a 15 out of 10. I am so happy with my experience and what I have learnt. With it being so hot, having 2 dives a day was a dream come true. — Sarah

Diving was not only beautiful, but the installation of the artificial reef pods made it an especially amazing skill to learn and apply to help the environment. We really could

see that our work would assist in the development of the community. — Patrick

Past experiences

8

There was nothing about the program that I didn’t enjoy—I didn’t want to leave at the end!! The people and the place were amazing! You didn’t mind only having rain water to shower in when you could decide to go diving at 7 a.m. in warm seas. Already trying to figure out when I can go back!!

The building work, the marine work, and the village cleanups, I feel, make a big difference to the village. The younger children helped us when on cleanup duty, and if that continues, it will only get better in the future. The school hut will hopefully be there for many years to come! — Ian

9

Your program will be filled with activities to ensure you experience many aspects of the local culture. Much of your work will be beside local villagers or school officials as they oversee island project work. On the island, women will prepare your meals every day.

You will get to experience the tastes and variety of local food. In Phnom Penh you’ll eat at commercial establishments and experience the hustle and bustle of Cambodia’s capital. On the island, Reach Out Volunteers are treated as extended family and have been invited to many of the local village celebrations, such as weddings.

The island offers secluded beaches for our leisure days when we can enjoy some beach football, beach volleyball, snorkelling, and swimming.

Should time allow, optional activities are offered, such as visiting the Killing Fields Museum, the Royal Palace, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or the central market in Phnom Penh.

Activities

10

The majority of Cambodians are Khmers and descend from the Khmer Empire that once extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its peak between the 10th and 13th centuries. This is the civilization that built Angkor, which was once the world’s largest city. After a long period of decline — fuelled initially by Thai and Cham attacks — Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863. After 1887 it was part of French Indochina. Following the Japanese occupation during World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953.

In April 1975, after a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. During the Khmer Rouge regime, under the dictatorship Pol Pot, at least 1.5 million Cambodians — one-eighth of the population — died from forced

hardships, starvation, or execution (many in the mass graves that became known as the Killing Fields).

In December 1978 the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia and drove the Khmer Rouge into the jungle. The Vietnamese occupation lasted for 10 years and was followed by 13 years of civil war.

The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. In 1993 the United Nations sponsored elections that helped to restore some semblance of normality under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first government, but a second round of elections in 1998 led to political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999, and several high-ranking members have been tried for genocide.

The people and historyThe history of Cambodia is still being written today, with the country rebounding and emerging from the nightmare of the Killing Fields.

11

It will change your life for the better, make you appreciate everything you have, and make you a better person in general. — Sarah

On the island, we experienced a wedding. The community embraced the fact that we were there and welcomed us with open arms. I loved seeing their tradition. It really opened my eyes. — Katelyn

12

When it’s 6:00 a.m. in New York, it’s 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon in Phnom Penh! Communication with home can be tricky — but that’s where the ROV blogs can fill the void: we provide daily updates with snippets of news and lots of photos!

The blogs are updated daily while you’re in Cambodia, so your friends and family can see what you’re up to.

All they need to do is go to www.rovolunteers.com, choose your program (Volunteer Cam-bodia: Marine Conservation Adventure), and click on the “Live from Cambodia” tab (on the far right).

Blog: Live from Cambodia!

“Thank you so much for the daily blogs. It was nice to be able to see what was going on and to assure myself my daughter was just fine. What an amazing, life-changing adventure this was for her. Thank you!” — Joni F.

Want to know what your life will be like in Cambodia? Check out current and past blogs to find out how a Cambodian program operates.

13

WeatherThe months from November

to January are dry in Cambodia. Humidity levels are low and there is little rainfall. Daytime temperatures are mild, while the nights are cool. The hot months are April and May, with temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to (more often) 40°C (104°F). In July, monsoons bring rain and humidity that last until October.

What to bringThink about your favourite

clothes, shoes, and handbags — and then discard those thoughts! Think practical, comfortable, and easy to wash. Think work clothes, work gloves, hats, and sunscreen.

Your program will involve lots of hard, practical work, and you won’t require precious garments or flashy jewellery.

Flights For flight and airport

information don’t forget to check your “Get Ready” page, which will be available when you pay your deposit. If you are extending your program it is very important that you email the ROV office to confirm your arrival and departure airports before you book your airline tickets.

Continues on next page…

Getting ready

14

Visas A Cambodian tourist visa is purchased

on arrival for around US$25. Make sure you have an extra two passport photos in your hand luggage. Cambodians operate on a dual currency, but prefer U.S. dollars, so we recommend that you bring cash. A valid ATM or credit card can also be used at the airport ATM (which dispenses U.S. dollars). Note that if you plan to use your ATM or credit card in Cambodia, you should let your bank know ahead of time to avoid blocked transactions.

Insurance Although our programs are safe, take

the stress out of your trip by making sure you are fully covered for any unexpected health or travel problems that might arise, including coverage for emergency flights and hospital visits.

Continued from previous page

It was honestly the best experience of my life. It changed me as a person for the better. — Jacob

15

Will there be mosquito nets? Yes.

May I wear singlets (tank tops), shorts, and bikinis? No, but when we head off to a secluded spot for a BBQ on our own, you can wear your usual Western-style clothing and bathing costume.

Do I need bedding? No!

Do I need vaccinations? Ask your doctor.

Do I need insurance? Yes!

May I bring a suitcase? We recommend a backpack.

Will I be met at the airport? We will collect you on the day you arrive (provided you have given us your arrival time and flight number!).

Do I need to arrange transport for my departure flight? We will drop you off at the airport on the day of departure.

Will there be Wi-Fi? Not all the time. Wi-Fi on

the island is very poor and intermittent.

Will I have electricity and adaptors? Not all the time, but often enough to charge your cameras, phones, and iPods.

Isn’t Cambodia dangerous? Cambodia (a predominantly Buddhist country) has very little civil unrest.

Will there be big insects or dangerous animals? Sometimes you have to be

concerned with the small insects. We suggest mosquito repellent with a high DEET factor be worn 24/7. Mosquito nets are provided.

May I bring toys and other small gifts? Yes!

What could I bring with me to donate to the village? Children’s clothes and shoes. Early childhood-development and educational materials such as books, crayons, and pencils. Sports equipment. Running shoes and clothes.

Frequently asked questions

16

Because of volunteers like you, we can provide employment for local tradespeople, medication for children, materials for building projects, donations for antipoaching committees, and money for local infrastructure (accommodation providers, activities, transport, etc.). Every

cent helps the local people. We need your help to make a difference.

Many volunteers fundraise for their Reach Out Volunteer program. That means not one cent has come out of their pocket. We send a fundraising-kit link once you submit a deposit. We also recommend

using a crowdfunding site like GoFundMe — be sure to embed Reach Out videos and links to our website to give people an idea of what they’re contributing to. People will want to help

you help others: all you have to do is put yourself out there!

Fundraising

17

Meet your group!Excited about your program? Reach Out

Volunteers creates Facebook groups for every program so that you can get to know your group months before leaving! You may even meet someone who lives close by to travel with.

How to meet other volunteers:1. “Like” Reach Out Volunteers’ Facebook

page: facebook.com/reachoutvolunteers.

2. “Add” ROV Adm as a friend.

3. Email info@rovolunteers.com or private message us via Facebook with your full name and your program name and dates.

We will then add you to the private Facebook group.

You’ll have the time of your life. You’ll make the most amazing memories with a bunch of people that will just become your best friends. And while doing this, you’re making a difference and improving the village or wherever you are volunteering. — Daniel

18

SafetyEvery aspect of your program has safety as its highest priority.

We organize your program from start to finish. If you arrive at the airport on the day the program commences, there will be a Reach Out Volunteer representative to meet you.

The Reach Out Volunteer team leader will be with your group for the entire duration of the program and will be available 24/7 to help in any situation.

You will be living in a shared, same-sex room (whenever it is available), in clean, hygienic, and safe accommodations.

You will have constant access to safe drinking water.

If you choose an extension (with the exception of Laos), Reach Out Volunteers will provide on-ground transportation to the next program location, where a Reach Out Volunteer representative will meet you.

19

Ready to join?

If you haven’t already applied for the program, you can do so through our website: www.rovolunteers.com/volunteer_programs.htm.

Once you have been accepted, you will need to pay the deposit to confirm your place. We’re waiting to welcome you to our team!

“I loved my trip and I already plan to sign up for another one this year!” — Nicole

“DO IT! One of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life.” — Robin

“Just go! It will be one of the best life-changing experiences you will ever do.” — Astrid

20