The site is critical for the survival of several species of endangered waterbirds, to which the key threat is large-scale egg and chick collection by villagers. The conservation and development project Osmose is implementing in Prek Toal aims to link the preservation of the waterbird colonies to the sustainable development of the local communities. And with success! Aside from the seven bird species that are now saved from extinction, over 100 families in Prek Toal, including former bird collectors, are benefiting from the various activities in the project.

With support of the UNESCO office in Phnom Penh, and with the objective to raise awareness on the unique flora of the Tonle Sap Lake among Cambodians as well as visitors to Prek Toal, Osmose has produced a poster set on the flooded forest and plants of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve.

The 5 complementary posters provide a wealth of information, both in Khmer and English, on the characteristics of the flooded forest ecosystem, as well as specific tree, bush, vine and aquatic species that can be found in the great lake. The visual posters include not only photographs of the species but also vivid illustrations on the use of the trees and plants by Khmer artist, Poy Chhunly, from the PHARE School of Arts in Battambang.

The poster sets will not only be used in Osmose’s environmental education program in Prek Toal, but also in schools, as well as relevant non-formal education or environment networks through NGOs, international agencies and government programs. And of course it is a great tool to learn about the unique environment of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve on your ecotourism trip to Prek Toal.

Poster