Amid a rapidly worsening conflict in Cambodia, Action Education / Aide et Action continues to support the Chroy Svay community in Koh Kong, strengthening education, livelihoods and community-led ecotourism through sustained partnership.
On Cambodia’s south-western coast, where mangroves meet the sea, the Chroy Svay community is quietly building its future. In Koh Kong province — an area affected in recent days by tensions along the Cambodian–Thai border — communities like Chroy Svay continue to focus on what sustains them most: livelihoods, education and collective resilience.
On 13 December 2025, as the border conflict spread to coastal Cambodia, Action Education / Aide et Action teams delivered emergency aid in Koh Kong.
On the same day, Samphors Vorn, Country Director; Chandara Chea, Human Resources Manager; and Chhoeung Marong, Programme Manager, visited Chroy Svay to meet community leaders and follow up on ongoing support. They held discussions with community representatives, including Commune Chief Bun Re, Community Chief Norng Limheang, and Vice Community Chief Mr. Narith.
Chroy Svay is a coastal community in Koh Kong province that has been developing community-based ecotourism to strengthen local incomes while protecting natural resources.
In a context where instability can quickly disrupt livelihoods and schooling, community-led initiatives have become increasingly vital. As of 7 a.m. on 18 December 2025, the number of displaced civilians in Cambodia had risen sharply to 476,224, including 8,262 in Koh Kong province, according to the Ministry of Interior. (Cambodianess)
Solar Energy, Water, and Schools: A Roadmap to Resilience
“The purpose of the visit was to follow up previous actions,” explained Programme Manager Chhoeung Marong, referring in particular to work already carried out with the community, such as the installation of terraces.
Beyond reviewing progress, discussions focused on next steps and on priorities identified directly by the community.
“We discussed the next action plan together with the community,” Marong said.
Among the priorities agreed during the meeting are the construction of a community meeting hall, the installation of a water filter, solar energy support at Chroy Svay beach, and the provision of tables for targeted schools. These investments aim to strengthen daily life and learning conditions, while supporting the long-term sustainability of local ecotourism.
Impact: Chroy Svay Moves Forward
For Chroy Svay, the results of this collaboration are already visible.
“Since receiving support from Action Education / Aide et Action, Chroy Svay has been recognised as a model community in 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism,” Marong noted. “The number of tourists has also increased.”
This recognition reflects the community’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental protection, as well as the importance of stable and inclusive support in uncertain times.
While tensions have created anxiety for many families in Koh Kong, the visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to ensuring that education continues, livelihoods are protected, and communities remain at the centre of their own development.
In Chroy Svay, progress is not defined by grand gestures, but by steady steps — taken together — towards a more secure future for children and families along Cambodia’s coast.
