Our vision
Healthy seas. Thriving coastal communities.
A future where Cambodia’s marine ecosystems are diverse, resilient and sustainably managed, supporting coastal communities, national prosperity and a vibrant blue economy.
Our organisation
About MRPO
The Marine Resource Protection Organisation (MRPO) is a Cambodian NGO working to protect, conserve and restore our country’s marine and coastal resources.
Our sea supports fishing families, coastal businesses and communities across generations. Mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs provide shelter for marine life, support fisheries and help protect the coast.
We bring together scientific research, local knowledge and practical experience. Our purpose is to help protect these resources for the people who depend on them today and for the next generation.
Our mission
Protect, conserve and restore.
To protect, conserve and restore Cambodia’s marine ecosystems for food security, economic opportunity, community well-being and environmental sustainability through scientific research, local wisdom and innovative practices.
Our direction / 2026–2030
Our strategy in action
Our five-year Strategic Plan guides both our current work and the programmes we are developing. Each priority connects practical activities, the experience of our people and the partnerships needed to move forward.
Strategic priority 01
Partnerships and community participation
Build strong cooperation and give coastal communities a meaningful role in marine conservation.
Our plan brings communities, government, researchers, conservation organisations and businesses together through joint planning, shared knowledge and clear responsibilities. It calls for stronger local leadership and participation by women, young people, persons with disabilities and groups whose voices are often missing from decisions.
Current progress
Six COMET communities
MRPO works with ThinkAqua and community groups in Prey Nob and Steung Hav on mangrove conservation and community tourism.
Community training
MRPO helped deliver COMET training alongside ThinkAqua specialists, with contributions from health and tourism departments and the Cambodia Tourism Association.
Tourism cooperation
On 10 February 2026, MRPO met CATA to discuss community training, hospitality skills and opportunities for a pilot community tourism initiative.
Next steps
Strengthen community participation in project planning, develop further training partnerships and build clear arrangements for continued cooperation.
Strategic priority 02
Marine habitat protection and restoration
Help protect and restore Cambodia’s marine habitats and strengthen the knowledge needed to manage them.
Our strategy covers coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests and other important coastal habitats. It includes habitat assessments, restoration planning and support for marine protected areas and other effective forms of local conservation. Joint monitoring with communities, authorities and research partners will help guide management decisions.
Current progress
470 kg recovered at Koh Rong
On 23 May 2026, 17 divers participating in MRPO’s campaign recovered 470 kg of abandoned fishing gear and other debris over two dives.
Joint coral spawning survey
MRPO contributed to the 7–9 March 2026 survey around Koh Rong, Song Saa and Koh Sdach. The team combined spawning observations, reef-health assessments and environmental records.
Community mangrove activities
Through COMET, MRPO supports community activities that include mangrove nurseries and conservation education.
Next steps
Develop the coral reef monitoring plan with partners and use field observations and habitat assessments to guide further protection and restoration work.
Strategic priority 03
Sustainable financing and community livelihoods
Build lasting support for conservation and economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Our plan connects conservation with community tourism, responsible diving and snorkelling, local enterprises and access to markets. It also includes assessment of blue carbon opportunities in mangroves and seagrass. Clear benefit-sharing arrangements, environmental and social safeguards, and accessible ways to raise concerns are part of this direction.
Current progress
Locally managed tourism
COMET connects mangrove conservation with visitor experiences across six communities. Activities include boat trips, nurseries and visitor facilities.
Community enterprise development
Communities have developed business identities and Facebook pages to promote their local services. Cooperation with CATA supports connections with the wider tourism sector.
Project cooperation
MRPO works alongside ThinkAqua and coastal communities through COMET. The project is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and supported by DAI and the COAST Facility.
Next steps
Strengthen community services and market connections, develop further funding proposals and assess future conservation financing opportunities, including blue carbon.
Strategic priority 04
Research, skills and innovation
Strengthen the knowledge and practical skills available for marine conservation in Cambodia.
We aim to develop consistent field methods, regular habitat assessments, practical training and mentoring. Our plan includes GIS, remote sensing and digital tools that support local conservation needs, alongside learning opportunities for young Cambodian professionals and community members.
Current progress
Field research and practical learning
The March coral survey connects MRPO with researchers documenting Cambodia’s reefs. COMET training brings conservation knowledge together with skills for community tourism.
Technical experience
Our executive team, board and advisers contribute expertise in marine ecology, GIS, remote sensing, climate policy, community development and digital systems.
Access to research
Our publications page brings together selected research and technical contributions by current members across their careers, sharing the knowledge they bring to MRPO.
Next steps
Develop consistent monitoring methods, practical learning resources and opportunities for young Cambodian professionals to gain field experience.
People and responsibility
The experience behind our work
Executive team
Experience in marine resource management, community development, environmental safeguards, habitat monitoring, GIS and remote sensing connects our priorities with project planning and field delivery.
Board of directors
Experience in marine protected areas, diving, coastal tourism, environmental research and climate policy supports our strategic direction, relationships and responsible governance.
Technical advisers
Experience in coastal programme leadership, conservation finance, institutional development, digital systems and partner coordination supports programme development and organisational capacity.
Respect, integrity, inclusion and innovation guide how we work with communities, partners and one another.
Progress and learning
Following the work through
Our project pages bring together activity dates, locations, photographs, partner contributions and available results.
Our Strategic Plan calls for tracking activities alongside changes in habitat health, community participation and livelihoods. It provides for annual progress reviews and a mid-term review at the end of 2028, helping us improve programmes and set the next stage of work.
Work with MRPO
Help develop and carry forward marine conservation in Cambodia through research, training, community projects, funding and practical field support.