Save the Earth International (STEI) has made significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and disaster risks in Cambodia. Through the capacity building of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CNGOs), and other local stakeholders, the organization is working towards enhancing sustainable land use and improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities. This initiative focuses on building resilience, promoting climate adaptation strategies, and mainstreaming gender issues to ensure long-term sustainability for marginalized populations in the Koh Koh Krohlor District of Battambang Province.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Livelihoods
At the heart of the project is the empowerment of local communities, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of 10 to 102 families in the target area. This initiative incorporates training for local staff and beneficiaries, collaboration with government agencies, and policy dialogues that incorporate gender-sensitive approaches. By focusing on capacity-building, Save the Earth International is not only increasing awareness of climate change impacts but also helping communities develop practical skills for sustainable development.
One of the most impactful components of this project is the establishment of saving groups, which have been instrumental in providing financial security for local families. These groups, through social insurance mechanisms, have empowered communities to improve their economic standing, enhancing their resilience to future climate-related shocks.
Impact Stories: Beneficiaries Share Their Success
The project has already seen tangible results, with beneficiaries expressing their gratitude for the opportunities it has provided. Ms. EY Yin, a 66-year-old woman from the area, shared her transformative experience: “I lost my husband in 1978 and lived in poverty, eating only three times a day. Thanks to Save the Earth International, I have learned valuable skills, can borrow money, and invest in my future. I now have a thriving small business and a stable income. I am no longer poor.”
Ms. Yin, who started with a small loan to raise chickens, is now running a successful poultry business. She has expanded her efforts, reinvesting profits into her home garden and business, ensuring food security and a consistent income. “I can afford to buy gold earrings now and help my neighbors. I have my own business, and I feel confident about my future,” she added.
Promoting Safe Drinking Water and Education
The project’s impact extends beyond financial empowerment. Mr. Soung Kun, the director of Samaki Primary School, expressed his joy at the improvements in local infrastructure, particularly access to clean drinking water. “I am so happy that my students now have access to safe drinking water at home and at school,” he said. “Previously, they were drinking water from a pond, but with the help of Save the Earth, we now have water filters and better hygiene. This has made a huge difference in the health of our students.”
The success of these efforts is reflected in the wider community’s enthusiasm for participating in the program. In addition to water filtration systems, the initiative has provided 500 Neing Noung trees to the school to promote green spaces and mitigate environmental risks. With demand for these initiatives growing, the school’s director is calling for additional support: “We need more partners to help us expand our efforts to plant trees and further reduce disaster risks in our community.”
Small Businesses, Big Changes
Another powerful example of the project’s success is the story of Ms. Lay Heng, a 64-year-old entrepreneur who has significantly expanded her business thanks to the program. Originally selling only sugar, oil, and charcoal, Ms. Heng borrowed money from the community saving group to diversify her products. She now runs a small shop that provides essential goods to her village, and she even started selling soup door-to-door. “I used to worry about how I could afford medicine for my sick husband, but now I can provide for him and our family,” she shared.
Her experience highlights the importance of integrating social business models with community development initiatives. Through this project, not only has Ms. Heng’s income improved, but she also plays a key role in ensuring the health and well-being of her community by offering affordable products while preventing the spread of bird flu.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Save the Earth International continues to prioritize inclusive development that considers the specific needs of women, children, and marginalized groups. Through targeted education, capacity-building, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, the project is laying the foundation for a resilient and self-sufficient future. As Ms. Heng concluded, “I am no longer afraid of tomorrow. Thanks to Save the Earth International, I have hope for the future, and I can contribute to my community’s growth.”
The project’s success is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions, and with continued support, it will help ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for Cambodia’s most vulnerable communities.
Featured image: Boudewijn Huysmans
