Eco-Community in Cambodia

Cambodia, once an agricultural giant, has endured and seen many tragedies and has suffered economically since the Khmer Rouge. While the Kingdom is very much rich in culture and kindness, there are still many injustices and forms of corruption that plague the country. Women and children still suffer at the hand of sexual assault, terror, domestic violence, and physical abuse. All of these atrocities continuously endured for the bare basic needs. Threatening the loss of shelter, food, and financial security in these conditions have lead many women to compromise their own dignity and safety and sometimes, their own children’s safety. Economic abuse has always been a method in the continuation of violence in many house holds but SOSS aims to provide an alternative to those seeking a safer and dignified situation.

While SOSS does focus on educating the public about different types of domestic abuse and providing alternative housing for victims, assistance is not only limited to domestic violence cases. Victims of human trafficking, forced prostitution, and victims of intimidation are also a priority and SOSS will take all measures to ensure their safety. Building a village that protects and gives back is the sole ambition in Cambodia.

Our goal

Cambodia has a very dry and very wet season and the land is rich with distinctive landscapes and waterways. It is an environment with many possibilities for rehabilitation. While Cambodia is gifted with biodiversity, the increase in developments and soaring rate of greenhouse gases has already affected the integrity of Cambodia’s natural resources. The MDG is aimed at increasing forest cover to 60% of the land and reducing greenhouse emissions by 27% by year 2030 but there is a great number of pushback from businesses. While manufacturing is becoming a source of economic growth in urban areas and the population is growing, it has become difficult to attain those goals set prior. Forest preservation is seen as an unnecessary goal and regulations are constantly challenged by foreign and domestic corporations intent on capitalizing on Cambodia’s resources, land and cheap labor.

Our goal is to obtain undeveloped land in a rural area for our village. Without compromising the forest greatly, our intent is to build tiny homes around trees and make decisions that do not impact the forest but assist in its growth. Our hope is to produce enough yield, within the land available, to not only feed those in the community but to provide more food for other communities as well. Through a more sustainable and strategic farming practice we can provide for decades to come and helping to assist in eliminating the fear of food supplies becoming scarce.

Implementing a permaculture design into a safe community provides many opportunities for both, the environment and for victims. While benefiting from the land, the women and children in our care will also learn a variety of skills and obtain a great knowledge and appreciation for the land. We believe through education and obtained skills, many will be able to utilize these skills as they move forward in their lives. Advocating, practicing sustainability and knowledge will give many women the ability to obtain careers in the environmental protection arena. Opportunities are not limited to environmental protection; Women will also learn operational skills, project and business planning, and finances.