What inspired you to work for Khmer Ocean Life?
I was inspired to create Khmer Ocean Life because I want to have as much of a conservation impact as I can. Cambodia's marine world is very understudied and there are big knowledge gaps in the scientific community. This makes our research even more important as we find out new things that have never been studied before.
I wanted to ensure that all our conservation is research-led but also has community at the heart. Local people are a big part of the solution and their involvement is crucial to the success of management strategies. I feel it is important that a big focus is put on building Cambodian capacity and skills in the field of marine conservation and it is one of our main objectives. I am proud to work for Khmer Ocean Life and what we have achieved so far, I feel inspired for the future.
Rose is pictured here ready for the first dive of the day in Kep, Cambodia.
Describe a typical day at work.
My day is highly dependent on which project we are working on at the time, and of course, the weather. With calm winds and waters comes lots of ecological surveying and the other days generally consist of a lot of organizing the team; training; data entry and analysis; funding applications; marketing; liaising with collaborators and the Cambodian government; and implementing project plans. Overall it is very varied and never boring!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My degree in Physical Geography began my interest in the relationship between people and the world that we live in. Understanding the complex intricacies of local people and their environment is a large part of my role now. All of the different teams have taught me something different and I try to bring all my experience together to help be the best I can be, and never stop learning.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, I am working on a few exciting projects. The main one is focused on marine mammal bycatch (dolphins, dugongs, and porpoises caught by accident in fishing nets). This is KOL's largest project yet - the Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network - and incorporates research in really close collaboration with the government and local fishing communities.
KOL has also recently launched our first aerial survey study, where the team is working on an innovative method of estimating the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Kampot, using drones. We have a couple of other things in the pipeline so I am crossing my fingers for them!
Rose in front of a cormorant colony on Sea Lion Island, The Falklands, conducting fieldwork.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
My pre-travel self was nervous about traveling alone but it has grown to be something I love. Every time I have stepped out of my comfort zone, I have found a newfound freedom in what is possible. I urge everyone to try it. I would also make some practical plans about the best way to access foreign currency and make sure to get you pre-travel vaccinations.
Why should someone choose Khmer Ocean Life over competitors?
Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a small organization that does on-the-ground work with a focus on both wildlife and people for marine conservation in Cambodia. In joining the team, you will be part of researching several threatened species, including the Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
KOL has many ongoing projects that volunteers can be involved in, with the scope to also focus on a topic of your choice. The key reason to join KOL is to make a real difference in the conservation of Cambodia's marine wildlife and local people.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Khmer Ocean Life's mission is to promote the conservation of Cambodia’s marine ecosystems and marine megafauna through encouraging and highlighting research, capacity building, outreach, and community collaboration. We work towards this mission in everything we do, along with our core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, accountability, and animal welfare.
Rose on a marine mammal land survey in Kep, Cambodia, looking through binoculars.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that anyone joining Khmer Ocean Life leaves with the inspiration to carry with them their experience into their whole life. I want everyone to feel a sense of hope for marine conservation and to feel more equipped to take action going forward, in whatever way that means for them. I also hope people take fond memories from being in the KOL team and experiencing Cambodia and its culture together.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
For me, my favorite part is the fieldwork! Although I enjoy the variety and appreciate our office-based work is really important and makes a big difference. Seeing our focal animals in the wild and allowing others to also view Cambodian marine species is a really special part, which never gets old.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
If possible, it is so important to experience different ways of life, giving everyone a new perspective on the world we all share, yet our lives can be so varied depending on where we are born. Culture plays such a huge part in who we are, and traveling and getting an insight into other people's worlds makes you appreciate or see life differently. Being exposed to new cultures is also really fun, opening your eyes to new customs and foods, for example.
Rose taking a break from orca surveys, standing on a sand dune and enjoying the calm weather.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language means you can experience the place and culture in a different way and on a deeper level. At Khmer Ocean Life, we have weekly Khmer lessons by one of our local staff, where we learn how to have conversations - mostly focused on listening and speaking.
This means the whole team can communicate, even if in a small way, with Cambodian people who do not speak English; order food in a restaurant; and gain an understanding of how the language is formed. For example, when Khmer people refer to 'eating' they say 'nham bei', which directly translates to 'eat rice'!
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I would say that doing research and making plans are a good way to get a lot out of your time traveling, but also be ready to adapt plans and take advantage of spontaneous opportunities that might come your way. Always trust your gut and your intuition in situations but also, don't be afraid of the unknown and do some things that scare you, because next time it won't be so scary!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being fully immersed in a place you are visiting, and being open to new cultures and new experiences that come your way. It is about doing some things you wouldn't normally do, broadening your world and mindset. I associate meaningful travel with being present in the place you are in, spending time with local people, and learning the history and customs of a place.