The conservation side of Our Future Organization has developed out of the activities of BeTreed Adventures. Originally set up as a social enterprise, and registered as a business BeTreed and its founders found themselves working more and more on direct conservation projects. Thus Our Future Organization was established.
Conservation Issues
- Main threats to the natural environment and wildlife habitat of Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary are hunting, logging and illegal land clearance for agriculture, and sometimes just to sell
- A multifaceted approach is needed to ensure a sustainable solution to environmental issues that includes
- Environmental education;
- Support for economic development in the community that does not threaten the environment; and
- Law enforcement to deter illegal forest crimes
- The Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of endangered and even critically endangered wildlife, which must be protected immediately and effectively. Other habitats for these animals both within and outside of Cambodia are fast being destroyed and any protection they can be offered here is vital for the survival of these species. These animals include:
- Elongated Tortoise
- Banteng
- Green Peafowl
- Silvered Langurs
- Pileated Gibbons
- Dhole
Current Work
As such, Our Future Organization is currently involved in:
- Law Enforcement: the Phnom Tnout area has been famous among locals for its wildlife for many years. This is not really a good thing, as it thus becomes a magnet for poachers. Old trees also attracts loggers, as good timber in many areas of Cambodia becomes more and more scare. Law enforcement is therefore an important initial activity to secure the area ensuring a wide knowledge that the area is protected and poachers and loggers are not welcome. Our Future Organization have been working with the NGO, Wildlife Alliance who provide a team of their rangers to patrol with our community based patrol team members.
- Community-based Development Activities: Guests who visit BeTreed Adventures contribute to a community fund that supports community based activities. Over USD$17,000 was raised which have been spent on roads, tree planing, patrolling and the purchase of resin trees (to simply protect these giants from damaging resin harvesting).
Future
There are many more things we want to do with Our Future Organization and we are seeking funding through grant opportunities to address additional community needs. These include economic development initiatives, more community-based ecotourism, and education projects. We are looking basically for any initiatives that will help the community better appreciate the environment for what it is and to look at ways that they can benefit from its pristine condition, and therefore seek to protect and not destroy.