Monk's Community Forest

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

USA | Sunday, September 18, 2011 | 5 photos

In January of 2011 I spent one month independently volunteering and photographing with the The Monk's Community Forest in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia. It is a unique effort to protect a 18,261 hectare stretch of Evergreen forest land and resources, based on Buddhist principles and environmental education. The Monk's of the Samraong Pagoda have actively encouraged local villagers to participate in saving the forest from deforestation from economic concessions, illegal logging, and land encroachment issues. Patrol teams have been established and a daily routine among local village volunteers has significantly reduced illegal logging activities. My time was spent photographing these activities and meeting local villagers who rely on the forest resources for basic survival. While hunting is illegal, villagers can use traditional fishing methods, collect old timber for construction materials, and harvest non-timber forest products such as bamboo, wild ginger, fruit and mushrooms. The local community I engaged with, often was subject to hardships such as the threat of forest fires and land mines, still prevalent in the area. My goal was to shed awareness to the conservation issue while at the same time, showing a glimpse into the personal trials and tribulations of the community who is so actively engaged with protecting their forest.
Being Short Listed in last year's competition, I am adamantly enthusiastic to once again, get the chance to showcase my work with World Nomad's. I believe that the offered Scholarship would be a fantastic opportunity to really elevate my skills as a photographer, and receive invaluable knowledge and mentoring from such a distinguished photographer as Jason Edwards.