Our resident marine biologist is not just there to take guests on diving and snorkeling trips – although he’s more than happy to do so.

Most days he’s busy determining the health of the reef, cataloguing marine species and helping teach local fishermen sustainable fishing methods.

Cambodia’s tropical waters, coral reefs and sea grass meadows are home to thousands of rare and wonderful marine creatures, including endangered species such as dugong, green turtles and seahorses.

But overfishing and unsustainable development are major threats to Cambodia’s marine environment and the nation’s recent history means its government has a limited capacity to manage and police its marine parks.

Private operators such as ourselves have an important role to play in the conservation of this rare corner of the world.

We work closely with the regional Environment Committee, a forum of local people with the knowledge and desire to protect their own livelihoods through marine conservation.

The marine reserve we have established covers one million square meters and extends 200 meters from the outer edge of the reefs around both islands. With the help and support of the committee, and our biologist, we ensure no illegal fishing or other activities go on within this zone.

There has been a dramatic change in local fishing practices since the establishment of the conservation area, and the number of boats coming into the marine protected area has decreased dramatically.

A healthy environment also depends on healthy communities, so we’ve made a commitment to donate a portion of all revenue to the local community, to donate resources such as schoolbooks and help fund local health initiatives.

Song Saa exists not only to create an entirely unique destination for guests and villa owners, but to also contribute positively to the sustainable development and preservation of the region.

By helping to properly manage marine protected areas such as that around Song Saa, we can ensure that clean seas and beaches and the protection of marine life can coexist with profitable tourism. In fact, it’s the only way to ensure that this remains a desirable piece of paradise.