Ocean Stewardship Programme

Programme overview

The Ocean Stewardship Program is a long-established island-based marine conservation initiative in Cambodia. The program is located in southwest Cambodia and centres its efforts on assisting coastal communities in the Koh Rong archipelago. Resting in a well-managed conservation area, with enormous conservation potential, this is the ideal place to develop diving skills and engage in pioneering marine conservation. Our early efforts included establishing the first recognised marine reserve in Cambodia, setting up an artificial reef programme, delivering a youth environment education initiative and creating the first solid waste management system in the Archipelago. By taking part in the Ocean Stewardship Program, you have the unique opportunity to work with seasoned professionals, contributing to a lasting legacy for marine and community conservation in Cambodia. Data collected on the project will serve to assist in the management of Cambodia’s first Marine National Park (an internationally recognised marine reserve) and you will be among the only people collecting on-going marine survey data for this protected area. Your involvement in the project will promote the conservation and preservation of one of the most pristine marine environments in the lower Mekong region.

• Gain personal hands-on experience in groundbreaking marine conservation initiatives.
• Work alongside experienced and passionate conservation professionals and scientists.
• Live and work in a traditional Cambodian fishing village community.
• Ideal for those studying marine biology and environmental conservation, or those with a keen interest in marine ecology and ecological conservation.
• Participate in community and education projects.

About the organisation

The Song Saa Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2013 to protect the habitats of the Koh Rong Archipelago and improve the welfare of its communities. The Foundation continues the conservation work we began in 2006, when we first came to Koh Ouen, and we are proud to have launched a broad range of conservation and humanitarian initiatives that go well beyond the borders of the archipelago. From establishing the kingdom’s first marine reserve, we have grown to become a prominent coastal marine NGO, helping improve the lives of local people and promoting the protection of the environment wherever our work takes us. Monitoring coral reefs, providing medical care, promoting solid waste management and launching education programmes – Song Saa Foundation’s projects are diverse in scope. Using science, innovation and collaboration to implement useful and impactful actions, we divide our programmes into the main categories of water, people and land.

About the programme

Here is what you can expect from the programme:

• Coral Reef Ecology course: this includes lectures on coral reef ecology, interactions between marine ecosystems, importance of and threats to habitats, how to identify coral, fish and invertebrate species, seagrass and mangrove ecology
• Training on survey methodologies for coral reef biodiversity and seagrass data collection (seagrass available October – December; coral reef all year round)
• Completing in-water surveys and data collection by scuba diving and snorkelling, contributing to annual reports and historical datasets and better protecting the Marine National Park
• Participating in the Coral Nursery and Artificial Reef project
• PADI Advanced Open Water course (if you don’t already have)
• The opportunity to join our community-based projects when available

The first week of the programme is dedicated to the completion of the PADI Advanced Open Water certifications, our as qualified instructor takes you through all the necessary steps to obtaining this certification. For those who are already certified, week one can be spent refreshing dive skills, maintaining our coral nursery and collaborating on community projects, including education workshops in the local community or beach clean-ups. These projects are also a great way to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings!

Once in possession of your shiny new certificate, the following two weeks will be given over to an engaging Coral Reef Ecology course, during which you will attend lectures, workshops and take part in practical in-water training sessions. At certain times of year, volunteers may be lucky enough to also participate Seagrass Ecology course in preparation for seagrass bed monitoring.

As weeks 3 & 4 roll around you will be ready to start collecting marine survey data, which is the climax of the expedition, The focus of data collection varies through the year, determined by the needs of the Marine National Park. On average, you will complete two dives or snorkels per day, however this is dependent on weather conditions and base logistics, thus there may be days when this is not possible. During these days, there are ample opportunities to get involved with other aspects and initiatives of the Foundation, such as engaging in community projects (e.g. assisting our community team teach English classes to local children or participating in livelihood support).

A typical survey dive or snorkel will take one hour, during which time you will collect population and species richness data for corals, fish, and invertebrates, assess substrate type and gather ancillary data.  During seagrass monitoring season, data collection will focus on seagrass species present, percentage cover and mapping the boundaries of seagrass beds. At the end of each dive day, all data will be entered into a collective database for analysis.

For those with less time but a desire to make a difference, during the seagrass data collection season volunteers without diving qualifications can join for 2 weeks, complete our Seagrass Ecology course and work with the dive team to collect data on this critical ecosystem.

During the evenings there will be opportunities to relax in a beach bar, try your hand at pool or darts, and read in our comfortable cabana – to name just a few ideas!

Location

The project is based in Koh Rong, Cambodia.

During the expedition you will be living in our dedicated sustainability centre, located in a small village on the north side of Koh Rong Island. It is a traditional Cambodian-style building nestled within the local community. Each secure room is shared between a maximum of two volunteers, and is furnished with a fan, shelves, pillows, mattresses, and mosquito nets. You will need to provide your own bed linen and towels. Electricity is available in the village 24 hours a day.

Training will be delivered at an air-conditioned building in a nearby facility which has 24-hour electricity, fast free WiFi, and hot water shower facilities, as well as a gym available for use during your time off.

You will be served three meals per day, cooked by trained Khmer chefs with a balanced and diverse array of choices (vegetarian, vegan and dietary requirements can easily be accommodated). Unlimited drinking water will be provided during your stay.. We have a fully trained doctor on hand 24/7, in case of any illness. You may wish to purchase additional snacks, drinks, and personal items during your stay, for which a weekly budget of $60 USD is recommended. There are several restaurants in the local village and a newly built road allowing access to explore the rest of the island of Koh Rong in your free time. Please note there are no ATMs on the island, thus you should budget accordingly.

Upon arrival in Cambodia, you will need to make your own accommodation and internal travel arrangements prior to the expedition start. On the first day of your expedition, you will be met by project representatives in Sihanoukville town (approximately 2 and a half – 3 hours by bus from Phnom Penh) and guided to the field site by speedboat. Recommendations for internal travel arrangements and suggested accommodation for your pre-arrival time in Cambodia can be provided upon request.

Duration

Duration: 4 weeks participation

Start dates: First Monday of every month

Certain activities offered during the OSP are seasonal, and some are available year-round. This timetable gives an indication of when certain surveys are conducted so you may wish to choose specific dates depending on preferences.

Costs and pre-requisites

Costs:

• First 4 weeks = US$2550 (flat rate)
• Additional 1-week blocks (after the initial 4 weeks) = US$250 per week
• PADI Advanced Open Water course (as required) = US$350 (includes all manuals, learning materials and activities – no hidden costs!)

* Places are confirmed with a $500 deposit.

Pre-requisites:

• Minimum age – 18 years
• Minimum 4-week commitment.
• Interest in marine conservation and sustainable development
• Healthy level of general fitness and stamina
• Ability to swim 200 m unaided
• PADI Advanced Open Water certified (we can teach you this course on-site! But you must be PADI Open Water certified as a minimum)
• Travel & medical insurance (to include unlimited diving up to 30 m depth)
• Necessary vaccinations as advised by your local travel nurse or GP
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months until expiry from date of entry in Cambodia)
• N.B. Visas for Cambodia are very easy to get, and are obtained at the airport on arrival
• N.B. You will need to provide your own scuba mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit (3-5 mm recommended) and booties. All other dive equipment will be provided for you on-site.

What’s included

Your Project Fee includes;

• All program activities, including scuba diving and field trips
• PADI scuba diving course fees and learning manuals (if applicable)
• Accommodation & food (3 hot meals per day)
• In-country support from experienced program staff
• WiFi
• Access to a gym
• Hot water showers
• Return speedboat from the mainland to island-site

What’s Not Included:

Flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, local land transfers, scuba mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, water clothes, and booties are not included.

How to apply

For more information and to apply, please contact foundation@songsaa.com

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