28th July. NELN talk on Village Open Day, 11:30 to 12.30 pm.
“Down the Mekong: From Cambodia to Vietnam: Birds, Ruins and People”.
Cambodia Phnomh Sampeau
Richard Cassels, Narara Ecovillage Member, visited Cambodia in 1969, just as the American airforce started carpet bombing the country, triggering nearly 30 terrible years of civil and regional war. In 2017 Richard returned to Cambodia for the first time last year to see how the people, the birds and the ruins had survived.
Richard will talk about recent advances in Cambodian archaeology and the understanding of the ancient civilization of Angkor, using LIDAR technology; and the new challenges of mass tourism.
Cambodians are also developing new ecotourism opportunities for bird and wildlife watching in Cambodia, as well as facing major conservation challenges. A highlight was the visit to the Preak Toal RAMSAR wetland site on the great lake “Tonle Sap”. Preak Toal is the only breeding site in mainland SE Asia for many rare waterbirds, and the largest remaining breeding site in the region for the rarest (and largest) stork in the world.
Preak Toal Study
Richard’s talk will be enriched by stunning images of Cambodian birds taken by local bird photographer Greg Miles.
NB All are invited to bring a lunch to share after the talk.
You can then enjoy the Village Open Day activities from 1 to 4 pm.
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The talk will be held at the Narara Ecovillage, 25 Research Road, Narara.You do not need to register to attend the Open day or the Monthly Network talk. Cost to attend any part of the Village Open Day: individual $10, family $20 and free to members of NELN and NEV, and to all Cambodians.
NB Membership of NELN allows you to attend all Open Days and Monthly NELN Talk for 12 months, and provides discounts on special workshops and tours. Annual membership costs individual $20, family $40. Join Now.
NB All are invited to bring a lunch to share after the talk.
