In the heart of the coastal province of Kampot, nestled between lush mangrove forests and the sea, lies the Kampong Samaky community eco-resort. This resilient fishing community is not just surviving; it’s tirelessly working toward building a sustainable future, with a focus on eco-tourism, aquaculture, and farming.
Through eco-tourism, Kampong Samaky is creating opportunities for both locals and tourists to benefit from its natural surroundings. At the forefront of these efforts is Soam Ann, a skilled builder and passionate team leader. He has been a pillar of the Kampong Samaky community since 2006. “I build everything here,” says Ann, reflecting his deep commitment to community development.
Recently, their collective efforts culminated in the creation of a stunning bamboo bridge, which is expected to become a major draw for visitors. “It’s a beautiful bridge,” Ann says. “It’s an additional attraction for tourists.” The project has already captured significant media attention, making headlines in national news.
Co-Action: Uniting Forces and Building Hope
Soam Ann and his team, consisting of 15 dedicated builders, have been working hand-in-hand with Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA) since November 2024. Through the CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the EU, AEA has provided material support, including bamboo, wood, nails, and ropes, to help build sustainable infrastructure for the community.
“AEA provided the bamboo for the entire bridge,” Ann explains. “It was an initiative stemming from our partnership with AEA,” he says before taking us on his boat to see the work more closely. The use of bamboo, a sustainable and eco-friendly material, not only promotes environmental conservation but also boosts the local economy. “I see their staff regularly on-site,” he adds. “I would like to see them everyday.”
In addition to his work as a builder, Ann is actively involved in farming on shared community land. However, financial barriers remain despite his efforts. “It’s a big challenge for us. We don’t have enough funds to invest because the fishery requires daily upkeep,” he admits.
Ann’s daughter, Saom Sreyda, shares a similar ambition to improve her family’s livelihood. At just 18 years old, she dreams of starting her own small business. “She would like to become a vendor in our community,” Ann says proudly, though he acknowledges the financial challenges they face. “It’s difficult for us to find money and invest.”
Co-Impact: A Resilient Tomorrow
The bamboo bridge, a symbol of the community’s resilience, is expected to be completed by the Khmer New Year, opening new doors for both local and international tourism. “We hope it will be ready on time,” Ann says with hope.
“I can see more and more clients coming here every year. There are both local and international tourists. Today, the rooms are fully booked,” Soam Ann proudly states, highlighting the growing success of the community eco-resort. As he reflects, “I’m very happy to work in this community. If I wasn’t happy, I wouldn’t be here.”
Eco-tourism is a sector that local communities are eager to develop. In 2024, the CO-SAVED partnership provided materials and technical support to renovate and enhance eco-tourism services in eight fishery communities across Kep, Kampot, and Koh Kong. Nearly 70,000 tourists visited these sites, generating revenue through ticket sales, mangrove planting activities, boat tours, and fish raising.
Eco-tourism boosts the local economy while simultaneously fostering environmental conservation. The Kampong Samaky community is not just building bridges – it’s building a sustainable and resilient future.
