Cardamom Tented Camp has won gold in the 2025 ICRT Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Awards for its nature-positive ecotourism model that protects 18,000 hectares of forest and supports wildlife conservation in Koh Kong, earning it a spot in the upcoming global finals
Cardamom Tented Camp ecolodge has scooped a gold award in the prestigious 2025 ICRT Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Awards in the “Nature Positive” category, beating off fierce regional competition and further planting Cambodia on the Southeast Asia’s sustainable tourism map.
The camp will now join other gold award winners from across the region as a finalist in the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) global awards, which will take place in November.
According to the awards organisers, Cardamom Tented Camp was chosen by the judges because its business model helps to protect 18,000 hectares of native forest habitat in Botum Sakor national park in Koh Kong province. This is achieved by co-funding forest patrols.
Cardamom Tented Camp said since it opened in 2017, in partnership with Wildlife Alliance, deforestation and poaching in the area have almost come to a standstill. Wildlife populations have rebounded. The camp also provides visitors with close encounters with wildlife and flora without harming biodiversity.
Wildlife photographer and conservationist, Allan Michaud, who is manager at the 12-tent ecolodge, said, “We are grateful to the judges for recognising the commitment of everyone involved at the camp. We strive to deliver a genuine ecotourism experience in a setting we are proud to protect.”
The awards are organised by the ICRT, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to amplify knowledge and implementation of responsible tourism globally.
“The judges were looking for quantifiable and inspirational positive impacts, reduced negative impacts, and best practices that can be replicated by other operators,” a press release said. “In addition to conservation, judges sought a commitment to local communities, economies and culture.”
Source: Kiripost
