Published on January 19, 2026
The Lawyer Who Chose Mangroves: Uniting a Community in Koh Rong, Cambodia
While Koh Rong is internationally recognised for its white beaches and clear waters, a quieter form of tourism development is unfolding inland, within the island’s mangrove forests. The Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community demonstrates how natural ecosystems can be protected not only as scenic assets, but as the foundation of local livelihoods. The initiative was led by a Phnom Penh–educated law graduate who chose to work alongside the community rather than pursue a conventional career. By building trust, transferring skills and encouraging collaboration, he has helped local residents develop a community-led ecotourism model that conserves mangroves, creates employment opportunities and supports a more resilient local economy.
| Project : | Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community |
| Place : | Sangkat Koh Rong, Koh Rong City, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia |
| Initiative : | Managed by an outsider-turned-local-leader, the project preserves 400 hectares of mangroves while shifting the local economy from subsistence fishing to tourism. |
| Actors : | Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community, Koang Kang Community People, Ministry of Tourism & Ministry of Environment and International, NGOs |
The Vision of an Outsider
Photo: Courtesy of Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community
Fifteen years ago, Mr Sreng Haysok, founder of the Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community, arrived in Koh Rong not as a developer, but as a visitor. Originally from Phnom Penh and trained in law, he was expected by his family to follow a conventional legal career. However, repeated visits to the island revealed a clear economic imbalance. While large, non-local fishing boats operated at scale, many local residents relied on small boats and subsistence fishing, struggling to secure stable incomes. He began to explore alternative, more sustainable economic pathways for the community.
He recognised that, despite Koh Rong’s rich natural assets, the local community lacked the skills, infrastructure and market access needed to benefit from them. He identified the potential for tourism to support a transition towards a more stable and inclusive local economy. Guided by a long-term vision, he committed to supporting the transformation of the fishing village into a community-led ecotourism destination rooted in environmental conservation and shared economic benefits.
Building Trust Through Dialogue
Photo: Courtesy of Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community
Integrating into a close-knit island community is rarely straightforward for an outsider. Mr Sreng focused on partnership and dialogue. He began by asking simple but fundamental questions such as what villagers wanted to do and what they actually could do. By listening closely and observing daily challenges, he positioned himself as a facilitator and bridge.
This patient, hands-on approach gradually built trust and led to the establishment of the Koh Rong Tourism Association in 2019, shortly before the global pandemic.
Leading by Example: A Walk Through the Mangroves
Photo: Courtesy of Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community
Today, the Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community manages a 400-hectare area dedicated to ecotourism. The site includes well-maintained boardwalks constructed from recycled plastic, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental protection. These initiatives have been supported by organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
The condition of the boardwalks reflects consistent, hands-on care. While guiding visitors and explaining the mangrove ecosystem, Mr Sreng regularly pauses to collect drifted plastic and other debris brought in by the tide. This quiet, routine action reinforces a clear message to both visitors and community members: environmental protection is not an abstract concept, but a daily responsibility embedded in how the site is managed.
A Future Built on Nature
Photo: Courtesy of Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community
The impact on the local community has been significant. Previously, livelihoods depended almost entirely on fishing. Today, around 80% of residents are engaged in tourism-related work. This shift has helped slow outward migration, with young people who once sought work abroad choosing to remain on Koh Rong and develop businesses on the island. Prek Koang Kang now illustrates how community-led, nature-based tourism can strengthen local economies while supporting long-term environmental stewardship.
Interviewee
Mr Sreng Haysok
Founder, Prek Koang Kang Ecotourism Community
“I come from a poor family and did not have sufficient financial resources when I began this initiative. With support from the government and non-profit organisations, we were able to move forward. Today, I work together with community members and partners, and our operations are sustained solely through admission fees. We are now financially independent. Although I chose a path different from my parents’ original expectations, they are pleased with what this work has achieved.”
