The protection of the natural environment and the support of local communities is central to Song Saa’s ethical charter.

We have a team of five conservation staff, and have developed partnerships with local villages to ensure the islands never lose the natural beauty that make them so special.

We are very proud to have established Cambodia’s first marine protected area, which covers 1 million square metres and extends 200 metres from the outer edges of the reefs that fringe Song Saa Private Island.

This no-take zone is managed to international standards for marine protected areas and we are examining opportunities to expand the reserve.

Our marine biologist is engaged in an education program to teach local fishermen sustainable methods that will ensure fish stocks remain healthy, while assets such as sea-grass meadows – vital to dugongs, green turtles and seahorses – are not disturbed.

Water quality is monitored constantly at six locations and we also have instruments in place to monitor sediment to ensure the reef and its inhabitants remain healthy.

Our team is also working to protect the islands’ bird and forest life, including bat breeding colonies, and roosting sites for large ranging birds such as hornbills, sea eagles and owls.

In the nearby village of Prek Svay, we have projects underway to improve local water quality, including a composting toilet system (a first for the island) and a treatment system for domestic wastewater (grey water).

We also facilitate training for local villagers in freshwater aquaculture and fish farming techniques, in addition to providing materials such as seeds, seedlings and juvenile fish for aquaculture. In this way we hope to safeguard local livelihoods in a sustainable way.

Song Saa is also actively involved in conservation off the island, most notably supporting the redevelopment of a local zoo into a modern wildlife education park. The Teuk Chhou Zoois situated 1.5 hours drive from Sihanoukville and can easily be integrated into a guest’s itinerary.

We believe in being responsible neighbours and will prove that, with the right mind-set, tourism can be good for communities and good for the environment.