Coral Cay Conservation

Founded in 1985, Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) is dedicated to “providing resources to protect livelihoods and alleviate poverty through the protection, restoration and sustainable use of coral reefs and tropical forests”.

Working in collaboration with government and non-governmental organisations within a host country CCC does not charge that country for the services provided. Coral Cay Conservation is primarily self-financed through a pioneering volunteer participatory scheme whereby international volunteers are given the opportunity to join a phase of the project in return for a financial contribution towards project costs. Upon arrival at a project site, volunteers undergo a training programme in marine life identification and underwater survey techniques under the guidance of qualified marine scientists. Volunteers then assist in a surveying the marine life of the area, collecting data which is of scientific relevance. Finances generated from the volunteer programme allow CCC to provide a range of services to the host country, including data acquisition, assimilation and synthesis, conservation education, technical skills training and other capacity building programmes.

Coral Cay Conservation has been successfully operating volunteer based conservation programmes in developing countries over the past 25 years with several internationally notable accomplishments, including the establishment of several Marine Protected Areas around the world. Examples of CCC action include the creation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belize, the Danjugan Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary for Negros in Philippines, and the development of 12 no-take marine parks around Sogod Bay in the Philippines. Based out of the Beach House on the Dive Shop Cambodia pier the Cambodian Reef Conservation Project (CRCP) began in February 2010, following a successful three month pilot project in 2009. The project was initiated following an invitation from the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries of the Kingdom of Cambodia to assess the status of the marine resources surrounding Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samleom islands.