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Motivated Volunteers for Marine Conservation NGO

The experience

At Marine Conservation Cambodia, our work depends on the dedication of volunteers and scientific interns. From supporting daily island operations to contributing to vital data collection and research, your involvement directly protects Cambodia’s fragile marine ecosystems. Scientific interns also have the chance to design and lead their own research projects, adding valuable knowledge to strengthen long-term marine protection.

What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 325 Per week

Fee pays for: Materials for volunteer activities and Donation to project

Description: The price is different depending on the amount of time you are spending with us. Price is always per week: 2 weeks or less: 600 USD, 3 weeks: 500 USD, 4 weeks: 400 USD, 1 month plus: 325 USD. The price goes lower the longer you stay and the more you contribute to the team. Staying with us for a longer time means you have learned more skills that are useful to our work. For stays longer than 3 months we discuss an individual plan.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Requirements

Intermediate English

Between 18 and 60 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

What is MCC?

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is a community-based NGO dedicated to protecting Cambodia’s marine ecosystems. Since 2008, we have combined research, conservation, and community partnerships to safeguard the ocean and support sustainable livelihoods for coastal families.

We were the first organization to actively work on marine conservation in Cambodia. Originally based on Koh Rong Samloem, our team conducted research and supported local communities in enforcing fisheries laws to protect marine life and habitats. After successfully helping to establish one of the country’s first Marine Fisheries Management Areas (MFMAs) and being joined by other organizations, the Cambodian government invited MCC to relocate to the eastern coast, where no marine protection efforts existed at the time.

Located in the southern portion of Kep Province, Koh Ach Seh is the most remote island in the Kep Archipelago, lying closest to the Vietnamese border. The island is largely uninhabited, home only to a small marine police station and MCC’s base of operations a quiet tropical haven surrounded by rich marine biodiversity.

Since our arrival on Koh Ach Seh in 2014, MCC has documented severe damage from illegal fishing. Through five years of research, community collaboration, and policy advocacy, our work led to the approval of the Kep MFMA in 2018, protecting vital habitats such as seagrass meadows, coral reefs, mangroves, and shell beds. Since then, fish stocks have rebounded, habitats have regenerated, and threatened species including the dugong have returned.

Today, MCC manages and protects Koh Ach Seh’s home reef, 13 other island reefs, and approximately 3,000 hectares of seagrass beds across Kep Province.

Activities & Shift

Being part of Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) means joining a passionate, fast-paced, and hands-on team working together for marine conservation. Life on Koh Ach Seh is unique, an immersive experience where daily living and conservation work go hand in hand. You’ll be part of a close-knit community where everyone contributes, whether it’s helping with island upkeep, assisting in the field, or supporting research activities. These shared efforts build strong bonds, personal growth, and a deep sense of purpose.

Volunteers play an active role in all aspects of our projects, and the experience is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The tropical climate, remote setting, and physically demanding tasks add to the adventure, and make the moments of achievement, discovery, and connection even more meaningful. Living so close to the ocean offers experiences you’ll never forget, surrounded by the natural beauty of Cambodia’s coastline.

While life on the island isn’t a relaxing getaway, it is a rare opportunity to learn about marine conservation, ocean ecosystems, and Cambodian coastal culture in a truly hands-on way. You’ll gain resilience, teamwork, and field experience, while making a tangible contribution to protecting Cambodia’s marine environment. Along the way, you’ll develop practical conservation skills such as research diving, data collection and analysis, and field survey techniques which are all essential tools for a future in marine science and conservation.

Rules

Wearing modest clothing
Respecting the locals and their customs
Respecting the environment in which we work
We are not offering a touristic experience!!