ABOUT US
Pearaing is named after the huge natural dam that was historically believed to serve as a cooling pond for elephants. In 2015, the site was officially registered and recognized as an Eco-Tourism destination under the name Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Center (PBCC).
Located in Sangkat Chreav, Krong Siem Reap, about 13 km from the city center and 2 km north of Tonle Sap Lake, Pearaing is one of the closest and most spectacular birdwatching spots. It can be easily accessed by bicycle, Remorks (Tuk Tuk), van, car or bus. Sangkat Chreav has been recognized by the Commune Chief as the safest and greenest area in the province. With 85% of local villagers earning their living from farming crops and vegetables, visitors are treated to landscapes very different from those of temples or urban areas.
Through the dedication, commitment, and preservation efforts of local villagers, authorities, and Buddhist monks, as well as support from related government departments, the provincial governor, and the Cambodian government, Pearaing has become a strong and responsible Eco-Tourism site in the region.
Currently, 69 community members actively care for the area, dedicating their hearts, energy, and resources to ensure that all birds, fish, and flooded forests are safe and well-protected. Your visit to PBCC supports the community while allowing you to enjoy a rich and immersive experience in nature.
Our Main Actions
1. Protecting and Preserving Fish and Reptiles
This mission is one of the core activities for our community members. Pearaing Natural Dam, covering 250 hectares, serves as a base for fish and reptile conservation. Over the past decades, fish populations have been threatened by overfishing, illegal fishing tools, electro-fishing, and insufficient law enforcement.
To ensure ecological balance, the community has undertaken the following actions:
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Guarding Pearaing Conservation Area year-round, during both dry and rainy seasons
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Advising locals against illegal fishing and enforcing fishing laws
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Strengthening the implementation of fishing regulations
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Deepening key areas of the dam where needed
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Refilling the dam during the dry season
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Constructing artificial fish nests, particularly in the dry season
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Preventing pumping of water for fishing
2. Protecting and Preserving Tonle Sap Flooded Swamp Forests
Swamp forests at Pearaing are divided into three main types:
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Gallery Forest (10%): Poor in species (4–5), stunted growth (up to 20 m), mainly along rivers and lakeshores
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Shrub Forest (80%): Higher diversity, 3–4 m tall
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Aquatic Herbaceous Vegetation (10%): Floating, submerged, or emerging plants, such as Sesbania javanica (sngaor) and water hyacinth.
Threats to these forests include clearing land for agriculture, burning for hunting or access, and cutting trees for firewood or fishing gear. To address these, the community:
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Guards the area to prevent destructive activities
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Plants essential swamp forests, especially gallery forests
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Removes invasive species, such as giant mimosa, which are not useful for fish or reptiles
3. Protecting Wetland and Water Birds
The Tonle Sap region is globally important for birds and reptiles, supporting many threatened species. Pearaing Natural Dam serves as a Bird Conservation Center, attracting migratory and resident birds during the dry season. Commonly observed species include storks, darters, pelicans, adjutants, ibis, Asian Open-bills, and egrets.
Once fish and forests are conserved, hunting, poaching, poisoning, and market trafficking of birds are prohibited, creating a safe and suitable habitat. Over time, more birds have made Pearaing their home, supporting our goal of establishing a formal Bird Sanctuary.
4. Managing Water Usage for Farmers
The community manages five reservoirs to prevent conflicts over water use and ensure sufficient irrigation for rice cultivation. This careful management has contributed to Sangkat Chreav being recognized as the greenest community in Siem Reap Province.
5. Supporting Community Economic Development – Agriculture
Most community members are farmers. Training programs equip villagers with advanced agricultural skills, including:
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Raising chickens, cattle, buffalo, frogs, eels, fish, pigs, and bird nests
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Rice and vegetable cultivation
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Participation in the Happy Farmers Bank (Self-Help Group)
6. Supporting Community Economic Development – Tourism
Tourism is essential for sustaining conservation and community projects. Activities include:
Tourism revenue directly supports conservation projects and volunteer-driven community initiatives.
Pearaing Biodiversity Conservation Center and Tomnup Thmei Reservoir continue to grow as centers for eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature while supporting local conservation efforts