Cambodia & Nature: Pearaing, biodiversity as the crow flies

Created in 2005 and relatively unknown to the public, the Pearaing Biodiversity Conservatory, located just outside Siem Reap town centre, is a fantastic base for birdwatching.

It took just thirty minutes to get out of the town centre and onto the long dirt track leading to Pearaing pier. As the short journey progressed, the houses became less dense, giving way to rice paddies. Even in the dry season, nature retains its palette of colours and shades of green, while the massive silhouette of Phnom Krom looms in the distance. Perched high in the trees, the ever-increasing numbers of impassive birds hint at the proximity of the sanctuary. A few signs written in Khmer, a handful of makeshift facilities offering food and drink, and brightly coloured boats moored to a pontoon: without embellishment, Pearaing is preparing to unveil its riches.

Raising awareness of the fragility of the environment

It's a mystery that this 250-hectare site is so little known, such is its enchantment. The nature reserve, created in 2005 on a site that was once, according to legend, a playground for elephants, is home to a large number of bird species, which thrive in an ecosystem that is closely monitored. Samban Chea, who runs incessant training campaigns on site for both local residents and volunteers looking after the site, explains the dangers that threaten biodiversity.

‘We are communicating the illegal and irresponsible nature of poaching, which causes major damage to both flora and fauna. Overfishing and the increasing use of electrofishing are damaging fish populations, which has an impact on the entire ecosystem that depends on them.

‘We are also raising awareness of the pumping of natural reservoirs, which are emptied to water the surrounding rice fields. Rather than banning this practice, the community in charge of the site has put in place irrigation procedures that satisfy farmers without endangering nature.'

Samban has been working to protect the environment for 15 years and is a member of the NGO Fauna in Focus. He regularly visits Pearaing to pass on his teachings. ‘This is an exceptional place, but its balance is precarious because there are so many threats. Chemical and noise pollution, bushmeat consumption, species used for traditional medicine, deforestation and the destruction of natural ecosystems, massive urbanisation, the proliferation of invasive species - there is unfortunately no shortage of battles to be fought to preserve nature.

Ecotourism as a source of income

For some years now, the emphasis has been on ecotourism as a source of funding for the other actions carried out on site. Water management, planting campaigns, site monitoring and the economic and agricultural development of the local community are the main priorities. ‘Of course, we no longer see any tourists from abroad, but the Cambodians who know about this place have not stopped coming and are particularly sensitive to environmental issues. And the sight of all those birds is really fantastic.

A sanctuary for many species

Up to a hundred species can be seen depending on the season and migration period, with the ideal time, according to Samban, being between March and July. Ibises, pelicans, egrets and storks can all be admired on a short boat trip, best taken in the early morning or late afternoon. Although the English-speaking guides have deserted the square due to a lack of visitors, the site's proximity to the city centre, its beauty and the particularly modest price charged for a boat trip make it well worth a visit, or even several. Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens are highly recommended to enjoy the spectacle offered by nature.

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