Renowned as a fertile breeding ground for a large number of South East Asias water bird population, the Tonle Sap Great Lake and its spectacular winged inhabitants were facing a myriad of issue as recently as a decade ago. Although the great lake is known to host the highest number of large water birds in the region the ecosystem within this scenic corner of Cambodia was almost entirely destroyed by the over harvesting of bird eggs that threatened to drive the bird population in to extinction. The Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary along Tonle Sap Lake were significantly affected by this until the Osmose initiative was introduced as a response to this crisis by adopting novel approaches to environmental conservation. Established with the aim of achieving conservation goals with the support of the local community the initiative hopes that environmental education and creating alternative income generators through ecotourism enterprises will preserve the natural environment that serves as a safe haven for these exquisite water bird varieties.
Ten years on, Osmose has become the number one eco-tour operator in all of Prek Toal with a myriad of engaging activity based tour packages to suit the needs of eco tourists from across the globe. Osmose Ecotourism incorporates the best experiences available in this idyllic lake district with ample opportunities to explore the protected Bird Sanctuary while engaging in unique local activities with the village community of Prek Toal which also includes a nights stay in an adopted homestead. These ecotourism endeavours allows tourists to directly contruibute to the preservation of the breathtaking environment and the diverse eco system it supports while simultaneously supporting the local residents sustain their livelihoods by the contributions made to community support projects launched by Osmose.
Due to its phenomenal success Osmose is also currently engaged in conducting a new initiative linking scientific research with conservation under directive of the IUCN. This project carried out in partnership with the World Fish Centre is set to benefit the local inhabitants, human and wild as all Osmose projects. Hosting nearly 100 tours annually, over 2000 visitors to date have encountered and enjoyed the natural heritage of Prek Toal through the 'osmosian' tours.
Travellers on the lookout for an award-wining
Siem Reap hotel should look no further than the stylish Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. A prestigious Angkor hotel for over 75 years this stylish rest which was voted among the Top 50 Hotels in Asia, is no ordinary tourist
hotel in Siem Reap .
