Areng Valley in Cambodia

Areng Valley in Cambodia

The battle to save the Areng Valley from destruction is now in its third year. The valley, little known beyond the province of Koh Kong when we kick-started the campaign back in 2012, has now entered the hearts and minds of millions of Cambodians.

Not only have we achieved success in stalling the proposed Areng hydro-dam that would have destroyed the entire upper reaches of the unique Areng river, we’ve also managed to inspire thousands of others (civil society in general and other embattled communities) to follow the path we have lead and become environmental activists themselves. 


The majestic valley, surrounded by over 400,000 hectares of jungle-clad mountains part of the Central Cardamoms Forest, shelters an awesome array of fauna and flora, with over 30 species of wildlife classified as rare and / or critically endangered. It is also home to close to 2,000 members of one of Cambodia’s oldest ethnic groups, the Chong people. These resilient people, who have been living in the Areng Valley for centuries, have become the campaign’s most important players. Yes, Mother Nature has been incredibly successful at publicizing the campaign to a massive audience; yes, our activists are brave and influential; but we have to admit that the fight would have been lost had it not been for the tenacity, bravery and cohesion of the local population in opposing this senseless 'development' project.