Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Koh Rong

Conservation Efforts

Koh Rong's coastline and islands are ecologically sensitive. Efforts protect marine life, coral reefs, and the jungle interior.

Waste Challenges

Waste infrastructure is limited, causing plastic pollution. Minimize plastic use and take rubbish with you, especially non-biodegradable items.

Freshwater Supply

Freshwater resources are limited, specifically during the dry season. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and turning off faucets.

Sustainable Practices

Adopt responsible habits to support the island's ecological balance.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

A growing number of resorts and tour operators on Koh Rong are implementing eco-friendly practices, reducing their environmental footprint.

Sustainable Choices

Seek out places that use solar power.
Look for resorts with responsible wastewater treatment.
Support businesses that support local communities.
Ask about their sustainability practices. Find eco-friendly stays on Ecobnb.

Carbon Offset Options

Carbon offsetting is not directly available for Koh Rong travel specifically. However, consider offsetting emissions from international flights.

Offset Programs

Many airlines offer carbon offset options during booking.
You can use independent organizations for carbon offsetting.
Choose reputable programs that ensure real environmental impact.
Reducing travel emissions is the first step. Find carbon offsets from Terrapass.

Reusable Products

Minimizing plastic use is a significant factor in protecting Koh Rong's environment. Embrace a zero-waste mindset.

Eco Essentials

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it.
Use a reusable shopping bag for purchases.
Bring personal care items like a bamboo toothbrush.
Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. Shop reusable products from Package Free Shop.

Ethical Gear & Tours

Support companies committed to ethical production and sustainable tourism. Your choices make a difference.

Responsible Brands

Choose durable and environmentally friendly outdoor gear from Patagonia.
Look for brands that prioritize fair labor practices.
Select tour operators with strong ethical tourism policies, such as G Adventures.
Support conservation organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Local Businesses and Ethical Shopping

Community Benefit

Support local businesses that genuinely benefit the community. Choose locally-owned guesthouses and restaurants.

Ethical Purchases

Look for souvenirs made by local artisans. Ask about the origin of goods. Avoid purchasing items from endangered species.

Positive Contribution

By adopting sustainable and responsible travel practices, you contribute positively to Koh Rong's environment and its communities, helping preserve its charm for future visitors and residents.

Economic Impact

Your spending choices have a direct effect on the local economy. Make choices that support the island's residents.

Community-Based Tourism

Initiatives are limited but emerging on Koh Rong. Prioritize staying at locally-owned guesthouses and eating at local restaurants.

Supporting Locals

These businesses funnel money directly into the community.
Direct your spending to local guesthouses, small shops, and tour operators.
This approach supports the livelihoods of local people.
Support local businesses, like those run by island fishermen.

Ethical Shopping

Fair trade and ethical shopping options are limited. Look for souvenirs made by local artisans.

Conscious Purchases

Ask about the origin of goods to ensure they are locally sourced.
Avoid purchasing anything made from endangered species.
Do not buy anything that appears illegally sourced.
Your purchases can directly benefit local families.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

understand and avoid practices that exploit vulnerable populations or violate local laws.

Child Exploitation

Do not give money or gifts to begging children. This perpetuates a cycle of dependency. Support reputable organizations working for child welfare instead.

Begging

Avoid giving money directly to beggars. If you wish to help, support established, reputable charities and NGOs working in Cambodia to address underlying poverty.

Drug Use

Avoid any involvement with illegal drugs. Cambodia has severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for drug offenses.

Charitable Giving

If you wish to donate, do so through established, reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or community projects. This makes sure your contribution has a sustainable positive effect.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel