All of our initiatives are aimed at improving the livelihoods and well-being of the poorest of the poor. Improving and diversifying agriculture both lifts people out of poverty and protects natural resources from overexploitation.
We provide the technical skills so that animal husbandry is more lucrative than timber. Introducing vegetable growing provides an alternative to fishing, but also improves health. People living in rural Cambodia rarely eat vegetables; 100% of our vegetable beneficiaries said since they started eating vegetables their family is healthier. Simple but effective — a desirable recipe for food security.
We also work on improving market access for local people’s produce, substantially improving incomes. In 2009 our fish-raising beneficiaries raised their disposable income by an average of $269 annually – for some this was doubling their income, giving them access to essentials such as healthcare and education.
Improving sanitation, introducing waste management and providing renewable energy all have environmental benefits but make real and tangible impacts on rural population’s living standards.
Environmental education joins the dots and explains concepts of sustainability and stewardship, that overexploitation has short term benefits and long term repercussions. Ecotourism initiatives make even more of a direct link, as tourists come to see the dolphins!
