Immersive sustainability experiences for students in Cambodian Eco-tourism

Charles Sturt University has offered a Cambodian Sustainable Tourism program for several years. The program was developed to focus on eco-tourism and rural sustainability and development programs in Cambodia, covering SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 12 Sustainable Consumption and Production.

Prior to COVID-19, our students would travel to Cambodia to engage in community development and learn about management of not-for profit and non-government organisations. This provides context for understanding how to manage sustainable economic development, with respect to conserving and protecting the environment.

In 2021, due to travel restrictions, the program pivoted to an online delivery model. However, the program remained the same, and our students engaged with the same organisations and government bodies.

Using Zoom, students interacted with local villagers and participated in cooking demonstrations. They were able to virtually visit different regions including Phnom Penh, Siem Riap and Kratie through both live interactions and recorded sessions. A highlight of the tour was a virtual guided tour to monitor endangered dolphins and rare waterbirds in the Mekong Delta.