This project aims to implement a Zero Waste Strategy at Wildlife Alliance's Community-Based Ecotourism project in Chi Phat, Cambodia. Located in the stunning Cardamom Mountains, the project will focus on diverting waste from Chi Phat's landfills and promoting recycling and the reusing of materials. The project will implement a system for trash pickup and recycling, conduct workshops in schools to empower young leaders to take action, and provide training and awareness to community members.
As the community of Chi Phat continues to grow, there has been an increase in the generation of waste. Unfortunately, waste management in Chi Phat is extremely limited, and plastic and other waste material has become a major problem the area. This is negatively affecting the 200 families that depend on ecotoursim as an alternative to poaching and forest destruction, as well as becoming a local public health hazard and environmental problem.
Through training workshops, waste sorting programs, education and the creation of recycling centers, the project aims to provide a system to reduce the amount of plastic and other waste from entering landfills, as well as raise awareness in the community on litter reduction, recycling and reusing. This will not only improve the quality of life for the community, but also lead to better natural resource conservation in the area.
By directly addressing the underlying causes of forest destruction and by promoting programs that generate sustainable income for poor, rural communities, illegal forest activities have significantly diminished and community members are benefiting. Successful implementation of this project will result in a litter free community, a reduction of methane into the atmosphere, an increase in ecotourism and economic benefits to the community; and ultimately, conservation of the forest and wildlife.