More recently, community based tourism has been recognized as another form of responsible tourism. Community-based tourism occurs when decisions about tourism activity and development are driven by the host community. It usually involves some form of cultural exchange where tourists meet with local communities and witness aspects of their lifestyle in responsible patterns. Many such remote ethnic communities may be vulnerable to outside influences and decisions about the way tourists are hosted must be owned by the community for successful and sustainable tourism.

With general tourism, visits are often marketed and organized by private travel companies. The bulk of the profits leave the community, and only a few private individuals may benefit from the enterprise. In contrast, CBT is managed and run by the community members themselves. All of the management decisions are made by, or in consultation with the community, and all of the profits directly benefit the local community.

The main positive impacts include benefit sharing among the community members, community participation, community control, empowerment and conservation. By managing the interactions between the host and the visitors, the negative impacts of tourism to the community and environment can be minimized.

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) addresses the well-being of the community and the surrounding environment. While supporting local communities and improving livelihoods, the natural and cultural resources of the area are protected and conserved. Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism in which tourists experience, appreciate and enjoy the nature and culture of their destination. The negative impacts of tourism are minimized while an incentive for conserving natural and cultural features is provided.

Community based tourism can generate a sense of pride in the local population and make funds available for maintaining or upgrading cultural assets e.g. archeological ruins, historic sites, traditional crafts production . It provides alternative income which encourages the community to protect its natural resources rather than destroy them through unsustainable use.

Through CBET visitors get the change to have to know local Cambodian people, enjoy their hospitality, join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment. This authentic form of tourism takes visitors to their communities and beautiful natural areas. Come and experience the real culture, the real nature and the real Cambodia.

Why Going on Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) Trip?

Going on a CBET trip is a different experience than going to a destination of mass tourism. Some things to consider in advance:

Cultural exchange
Most of the time, the people of the community will be just as curious and excited about you, as you are about them. A visit to their communities gives you the chance for cultural exchange. Respect cultural sensitivities and don't give the local people the feeling they are zoo animals. If you are truly interested in Cambodian culture, a visit can give you unique insights in the people, environment and culture of the destination.

Home-stay
Some projects offer the possibility of a home-stay. This means you will spend the night in the house of a local family. The houses are prepared for your visit and will be equipped with mosquito nets for example. If you can't live without your hot shower and comfort, a home-stay is not for you. A home-stay won't provide you luxury, but it will be an unforgettable experience! You will experience the daily life of the community. Your host family will welcome you in their house, look after you and tell you all about their life!

How does it help?
Part of the fee of visiting a CBET site is being invested in environmental conservation and community development. Therefore, you may pay a little extra. With your support the community will benefit and the environment will be conserved. By paying entrance fees, hiring local guides, doing home-stays and purchasing local products, you can support nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods.


CBET Destinations in Cambodia?

Ang Trapeang Thmor Community-Based Ecotourism Site

• Location: Banteay Meanchey Province (Northwest)
• Organization involved: Wildlife Conservation Society and Sam Veasna Center
• Description: The Ang Trapeang Thmor Sarus Crane Conservation Area is one of the prime bird watching sites of northwest Cambodia. The area offers a unique opportunity to easily observe a diversity of bird species including the endangered Eastern Sarus Crane, the world's tallest flying bird. The protected area is a huge reservoir created by forced labor during the Khmer Rouge regime, which harbors a unique wetland now. Besides the Sarus Crane, the reservoir harbors more than 200 species of other birds, of which 18 have been classified as globally threatened or globally near-threatened.

• Location: Banteay Meanchey Province (Northwest)
• Organization involved: Heritage watch
• Description: In Banteay Chhmar one of the bigger Angkor temples is located. This temple, that's now partly overgrown by the jungle, originates from the 12th century and was used as a film set for the 'Tomb raider' movie. Around the temple, villagers and silk weavers live their traditional way of life.

• Location: Kampong Speu Province (Southwest)
• Organization involved: Mlup Baitong
• Description: Chambok is located on the border of Kirirom National Park. The Chambok site is well known for its spectacular scenery and its educational nature walks. The site offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy including a 3,5km hike to the amazing 40m high waterfall. You can discover the breathtaking nature and landscape, and if you like, stay overnight at a local home-stay to experience authentically rural Cambodia.

• Location:Koh Kong (Coastal Cardamom Rangers)
• Organization involved:Wildlife Alliance
• Description: Welcome to mainland SE Asia's largest remaining tract of rainforest. Travel up a magnificent river to visit the Chi Phat Community Based Ecotourism project in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. Our project aims to build capacity and create alternative livelihoods to protect the surrounding environment of the commune. We welcome you to Chi Phat and will be pleased to guide you through a wide array of attractions in the area that form the core of this community inspired ecotourism project.

• Location:Kratie Province (Northeast Cambodia)
• Organization involved:Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT)
• Description: At Koh Pdao, an island in the Mekong, you will find the Koh Pdao Dolphin Pool. This is one of the few places where you can see the rare Irrawaddy river dolphin. With the Community Development Tour you travel up the Mekong River from Kratie to Koh Pdao Island. During the 2,5 day visit to the community you learn about the lives and stories of the Cambodians and stay in their homes as a guest. You will participate in project activities and get involved with the community. This will give a rare glimpse of how Cambodians live in the countryside.

• Location:Stung Treng Province
• Organization involved:CEPA (Culture and Environment Preservation Association)
• Description: Osvay can be characterized by its rich biodiversity starting from mangrove forests, Mekong Islands and river beaches to a variety of different bird species such as the Black Cormorant. Tourists can enjoy hiking through the forests and meeting friendly, local people.

• Location:Stung Treng Province
• Organization involved:Mlup Baitong
• Description:The O'Russey Kandal is a CBET community in Stung Treng Province, situated approximately 28 km south of the provincial town along National Highway 7. The community is comprised of only one village with a population of 446 families. The CBET development was introduced to support people in the community to have possibilities to effectively protect and manage their natural resources while improving their livelihood in an equitable and sustainable manner.

• Location:Battambang Province (Tonle Sap Area)
• Organization involved:Osmose
• Description:From Siem Reap you can make a daytrip to Prek Toal to see the impressive water bird spectacle, the pristine flooded forest, the traditional fishing and the traditional floating community. In the dry season (November – March) thousands of endangered species of birds, such as storks, adjutants, pelicans and ibises come to the area to breed in the sanctuary. Around the core area lie several fishing villages comprising 1200 families living in houses floating on a bamboo rafts or in houseboats, an adaptation to the ebb and flow of the lake.

• Location:Stung Treng Province
• Organization involved:Mlup Baitong
• Description:Preah Rumkel, a small village alongside the Mekong River, has quiet, beautiful places for watching Irrawaddy dolphins. It is on the way to the great Mekong Falls which leave a big impression on every visitor. Preah Rumkel is located in a wetland area and has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife and bird watching. In addition to that, visitors can try the famous sticky rice wine which is only available at Preah Rumkel community.

• Location:Kampot Province
• Organization involved:Save Cambodia's Wildlife
• Description:Prek Tnout ecotourism site is partially located within Bokor National Park, with biodiversity of regional and global significance including rare and endangered species. It is 30km west of Kampot Town along National Road 3 and 90km east of Preah Sihanouk province along National Road 4. Save Cambodia's Wildlife (SCW) facilitated community-based ecotourism at the site and is strongly supported by local authorities and Bokor National Park. The site is entirely run by local villagers themselves, and income from tourist activities directly benefits the community.

• Location:Preah Vihear Province (Norhtern Plains)
• Organization involved:Wildlife Conservation Society and Sam Veasna Center
• Description:Tmatboey is an isolated village located in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northern Plains of Cambodia. The site supports globally important breeding populations of two Critically Endangered Ibis species: the Giant Ibis – a near-mythical species - and the White-shouldered Ibis, in the only known nesting site of this species. Visitors walk through a rich eco-system of open woodlands, seasonally-inundated grasslands, deciduous dipterocarp forest and scattered wetlands. Between the 9th and 15th centuries A.D. the Khmer Empire based at Angkor dominated the landscape and many features can still be seen today.

• Location:Rattanak Kiri Province (Northeast)
• Organization involved:The Biodiversity and Protected Areas Mangement Project (BPAMP) and the Ministery of Environment
• Description:Virachey Nation Park is the largest and most remote national park in Cambodia located at the borders of Vietnam and Lao PDR. The park contains mountains, forests, grasslands and valleys largely unexplored and undisturbed by humans. They may still harbour new and undiscovered wildlife species, while endangered species like the tiger live in the park. Indigenous, hill tribe people represent the cultural diversity in the region. A programme is developed aiming to create a range of quality, trekking-based tours that incorporate the unique conservation values and cultures of the park's indigenous people.

• Location:Rattanak Kiri Province (Northeast)
• Organization involved:No (fully control and manage by the community)
• Description:The major attraction is an 800-meter round volcanic lake and the presence of indigenous Tampuen, people who manage the site. The forest around the lake is stunning, with tall trees and a lush undergrowth including bamboo, wild ginger and ferns. Brightly colored butterflies feed around the lake edge. Yeak Laom Lake lies in an area of protected forest managed by indigenous highlanders. Some say that the lake is the result of volcanic activity. Local Tampuen people say it is a gift from the spirits. Either way, it is an exquisite and deeply spiritual place.