Cambodian ecolodge commits to conservation and community for the long run
Cambodia’s multiple award-winning conservation lodge, Cardamom Tented Camp, has joined The Long Run, an international group of nature-based tourism businesses that help to protect around 9.3 million hectares (23 million acres) of biodiverse lands on six continents.
Why join The Long Run?
By joining The Long Run as a “fellow member”, Cardamom Tented Camp commits to work towards the status of a “Global Ecosphere Retreat” (GER); one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the international tourism industry and one recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
To date, The Long Run has 11 elite GER members, 32 fellow members, and 22 travel partners, all of whom are businesses dedicated to conservation, community, culture, and commerce where they operate; collectively on 9.3 million hectares (23 million acres) of forest, grasslands, desert, and mountains all over the world.
Keep the forest standing
Cardamom Tented Camp, which has the slogan “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” protects 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) of mixed lowland rainforest in the Botum Sakor national park in south west Cambodia.
A proportion of Cardamom’s profits help fund patrols by 16 Wildlife Alliance forest rangers. Since the camp’s opening in 2017, those patrols have protected the forest reserve from illegal poachers, loggers, sand dredgers, and land grabbers.
A number of at-risk species such as Asian elephants, smooth-coated otters, leopards and hornbills have increased due to rigorous habitat protection. The improved species numbers have been verified by Wildlife Alliance and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.
Intentions to actions
Membership of The Long Run is about transforming good intentions into a holistic and tangible action plan, said Willem Niemeijer, co-founder of the camp.
“Cardamom Tented Camp and The Long Run are leveraging tourism as a smart way to fund the conservation of nature and be of value to the community. We’re striving to make tourism a measurable force for good. That is our purpose,” he said.
He added: “Membership of The Long Run will help us drive continuous improvement based on a rigorous commitment to conservation, community engagement and a respect for culture and commerce.”
Track record
Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, executive director at The Long Run, said that Cardamom Tented Camp was invited to join the grouping based on the camp’s environmental track record and unique giving-back business model.
“The Long Run is excited to work with Cardamom Tented Camp and would like to welcome the conservation lodge to our active sustainability leadership community,” said Zschiegner.
“The Cardamom tented camp is a dedicated responsible tourism entity with thoughtful attention given to every detail. We are aligned in our passion for sustainability and look forward to our journey together.”
The next step of membership will involve technical advice from The Long Run to the camp, bringing in external experts as necessary, sharing best practice among members, identifying sustainable business funding opportunities, and creating a viable plan for Cardamom Tented Camp to start its journey towards full “GER” status.
Meet them at ITB
Cardamom Tented Camp will be represented at the ITB Berlin travel show, 6 – 8 March 2024, through its affiliated travel company, Khiri Travel. (Arrange a meeting.)
About Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is an ecolodge located in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. The nine-unit tented camp, with restaurant pavilion, staff dormitory, ecotourism equipment and boat pier, uses solar power.
The lodge aims to minimise the human footprint in the national park and serve as a role model for sustainable ecotourism practices in Cambodia. The camp has its own waste water filtration process. There is no road access. The camp is accessible only by river boat or forest hike.
Located on an 18,000-hectare (180 sq km) concession, the lodge and its surroundings are home to pristine lowland and coastal habitats linking wildlife corridors to the Cardamom Mountains. Trekking and kayaking packages are available for adventure enthusiasts who are keen to be a part of the real conservation work being undertaken on the concession.
Cardamom Tented Camp is a three-way initiative between Minor Group, YAANA Ventures, and Wildlife Alliance to ensure the land and its biodiversity does not fall into the hands of loggers, poachers, and sand dredging operations.
Awards and accolades
June 2023 – Travel + Leisure Awards for Asia Pacific (Listing)
Oct 2022 – HICAP Sustainable Award for Climate Action (Winner)
Oct 2021 – Green Destinations Top 100 Destination Stories in the World (Listing)
Aug 2019 – UK National Geographic Traveller ‘Earth Collection’ (Listing)
July 2019 – PATA Gold Award for Ecotourism (Winner)
April 2019 – WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Changemaker (Finalist)
Don’t miss other “GT” Partner messages by Cardamom Tented Camp
About The Long Run
The Long Run is a membership organisation of nature-based tourism businesses committed to driving positive impact. The community is global in scope and growing. Its members and partners share a vision of “Business, nature and people working harmoniously together for a sustainable future”. Collectively, The Long Run members conserve more than 23 million acres of biodiversity and improve the lives of more than 750,000 people. The organisation supports, connects, and inspires members to operate according to the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. The Long Run’s Global Ecosphere Retreat certification is the most rigorous in the industry.
About YAANA Ventures
YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. YAANA Ventures distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences that are grounded in the cultural richness of Asia. The company is the champion of the triple bottom-line. It empowers its ventures with the values to nurture the people with whom it works.
