1. Press Release
WILDLIFE ALLIANCE & MONG RETHTHY GROUP PARTNER TO INCREASE
WATER SUPPLY TO DROUGHT STRICKEN VILLAGE
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016
Sovanna Baitong, Koh Kong: Wildlife Alliance partners with Mong Reththy Group to help local farmers to adapt to
climate change by increasing their water supply as they face extended drought period. With this year’s worst
drought in the history of Koh Kong province, the village of Sovanna Baitong saw its water reservoir completely
dried up in March, which had never occurred before. Villagers had no more water for their families and their farm
irrigation system. H.E. Oknha Mong Reththy came to the rescue of these families by helping Wildlife Alliance to
retrofit the village water reservoir, making it deeper and adding the vital spillgate that was missing. As part of
Oknha’s contribution, was the complete construction of a new bridge and upgrading of the 2.5 km access road.
Thanks to H.E. Oknha Mong Reththy’s technical expertise and timely assistance, the new structure is now ready
for the next drought season and for year-round production of the fruit and vegetables that the farmers depend on
for their livelihoods.
“This partnership will help boost economic development and reduce poverty in the Southwestern region,” said
Suwanna Gauntlett, CEO and founder of Wildlife Alliance.
Wildlife Alliance and Mong Reththy Group will hold a joint inauguration ceremony of the water reservoir, bridge
and road on Friday, July 29 at 9am at Sovanna Baitong village, Koh Kong province. High-ranking officials from
Mong Reththy Group, Wildlife Alliance, local authorities will join this ceremony, along with 150 villagers.
The Mong Reththy Group is one of Cambodia’s largest agro-industrial company in the Kingdom and top five in the
region. The company employs and trains over 10,000 employees to utlize modern equipment, and partners with
major companies worldwide.
Wildlife Alliance provides direct protection to forests and wildlife in the Southern Cardamom Mountains by
working with local communities to improve their livelihoods. Community Agriculture Development Project in
Sovanna Baitong village is one of Wildlife Alliance’s Community Livelihood projects.
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Contact Botumroath Lebun
Telephone 012-885-727
Cell 012-885-727
Email lebun@wildlifealliance.org
Website www.wildlifealliance.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2016