The Osmose project: preserving biodiversity, improving livelihoods

Osmose – an NGO working jointly with WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) – has implemented a pilot conservation and development project in Prek Toal areaby. Initially the aim was to protect from exctinction several species of beautiful endangered water birds – unique to the unique Tonle Sap Great Lakes eco-system.

To achieve this goal it is critical to link the preservation of the water birds colonies to the sustainable development of the local communities – most of them living far below the extreme poverty level.

In its essence, the program is an environmental awareness endeavour combining short-term priorities (saving the bird colonies from extinction), long-term ownership building (environmental education) and economic incentives (direct or indirect benefits to the local communities)

Contribute

The program offers 4 types of activities:

1- Conservation: close protection of the water bird colonies by a local conservation team employing above 30 villagers, half being former bird collectors

2- Education: indoor and outdoor environmental classes for over 1,100 school and out-of-school children, instilling care and appreciation for their natural environement;

3- Eco-tourism: organization of guided tours to the bird sanctuary and villages for small groups providing an alternative income, and generating activities for the villagers.

4- Job opportunity and training by reviving the local know-how of water hyacinth handicraft. Over 35 women are involved in producing hammocks, bags or table sets for sale on special stilt-platform, achieving 2 goals at the same time: improving their family livelihoods and reducing the proliferation of water hyacinths. A single act for a triple benefit: social, economical and ecological.