Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy’s successful initiative to bring clean and sufficient water to marginalised communities gained recognition at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand, as it won in the Destination Management Company (DMC) of the Year category.
The inaugural awards programme celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.
The current situation
Two million travellers visit the Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia every year. In the surrounding province and nearby town of Siem Reap, more and more five-star hotels and stylish boutique hideaways are popping up for the increasingly affluent influx of tourists, with the newly inaugurated international airport promising more to come.
Yet, very little of that economic activity trickles down to nearby rural villages, as Siem Reap remains one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia. One in five rural Cambodians does not have access to safe water and 13% of deaths in the country are related to unsafe water or inadequate sanitation. Waterborne illnesses are the second leading cause of death of children under five.
This has led non-profit organisation Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) to partner with local community development organisation Trailblazer Foundation to identify locations that do not have safe water. Since 2008, AKP has been providing families in Siem Reap with clean water by drilling and installing water wells and biosand filters.
A work in progress
The organisations have installed more than 1,300 wells with biosand filters, which are long lasting and ensure the long-term viability and impact of the well. Each well provides clean water for eight people each day on average. This initiative is going to ensure fresh, bacteria-free drinking water for over 24,000 people.
At the same time, AKP has also constructed a clean water station in the floating village of Peam Ta Our on Tonle Sap Lake, eliminating the need for residents to use contaminated lake water for cooking and bathing.
It added that as the nutrition and health status of the community improves, villagers are going to have more time, energy and money to invest in private enterprises. There is wider evidence of economic progress and autonomy within communities once basic needs are met.
“Not only does clean water improve sanitation and health, it can also be used to irrigate farm plots, cook food and even provide potable water for domestic animals. Healthy animals and good crops result in increased opportunities for families, helping to lift them out of poverty,” Célia Hulin, AKP Regional Coordinator, said.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.
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