In an era where the call for sustainable travel resonates louder than ever, a beacon of green tourism in Cambodia, the Cardamom Tented Camp, has taken a significant leap. By becoming a fellow member of The Long Run, a global consortium of nature-based tourism entities committed to the four Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce, this award-winning conservation lodge sets a new standard for eco-tourism.
The camp’s induction into The Long Run marks a pivotal moment for Cardamom Tented Camp and sustainable tourism worldwide. This affiliation is more than a membership; it’s a vow to pursue the esteemed Global Ecosphere Retreat (GER) status, an accolade that symbolizes the zenith of sustainability in the tourism sector and is endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The Long Run stands out with its 11 GER members, 32 fellow members, and 22 travel partners, safeguarding approximately 9.3 million hectares of diverse ecosystems globally. Cardamom Tented Camp’s guiding principle, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” contributes to this noble cause by protecting 18,000 hectares of Botum Sakor National Park’s mixed lowland rainforest in Southwest Cambodia. Here, profits funnel into funding patrols by 16 Wildlife Alliance forest rangers, safeguarding the land from illegal activities and ensuring the thriving of species like Asian elephants and smooth-coated otters.
Willem Niemeijer, the visionary co-founder of the camp, articulates the mission of their partnership with The Long Run as transforming good intentions into actionable conservation efforts. “We’re leveraging tourism as a smart solution for funding nature conservation and adding value to the community,” Niemeijer asserts, underscoring the drive towards making tourism a measurable force for good.
Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, executive director at The Long Run, praised Cardamom Tented Camp for its exemplary environmental stewardship and unique model of giving back to nature. “We are aligned in our passion for sustainability,” Zschiegner remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the journey ahead with Cardamom Tented Camp within The Long Run’s sustainability leadership community.
As Cardamom Tented Camp embarks on its journey toward achieving GER status, it will benefit from The Long Run’s wealth of resources, including technical advice, sharing best practices among members, and identifying sustainable business funding opportunities. This collaborative effort promises to elevate the lodge’s commitment to conservation, community engagement, respect for culture, and sustainable commerce to new heights.
Furthermore, the lodge’s representation at the upcoming ITB Berlin travel show by its affiliated travel company, Khiri Travel, underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable travel and conservation globally.
In conclusion, Cardamom Tented Camp’s induction into The Long Run is not just a milestone for the lodge but a testament to the power of sustainable tourism to enact real change. It is a clarion call for the industry, highlighting the critical role of eco-tourism in preserving our planet’s natural treasures for future generations. This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to travel, where conservation and community go hand in hand, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly tourism worldwide.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach
