This past Monday, our Cambodian crew returned from a week long trip through Cambodia. We headed out East close to the Thai Border. Each day offered a new journey and understanding, from the conservation of endangered Asian Elephants, to the challenges faced by indigenous people, and the heartbreaking history of the Pol Pot Khmer Rouge regime.
Our trip started in Putrom province, where we tackled the intricate politics surrounding indigenous land rights. Putrom people are some of the pioneers of a sustainable agricultural practice known as swidden agriculture. Swidden farming involves rotating farming across multiple plots over a long span of time. By rotating through the plots every 3-5 years, the land is allowed to regenerate while sustaining the people. However, large corporations seek to displace these people in the interest of economic gain. It is an endless battle of injustice that these people are facing.
After visiting the indigenous people of Putrom, we headed to Elephant Valley Project (EVP) to see the majestic creatures who have found refuge from harsh realities of street life or previous abuse that they have faced. Seeing the rescued animals was heartening and heartbreaking. Witnessing the incredible beings, wearing the scares from their once abusive conditions was a saddening sight. However, to see the gentle beasts roam free in their natural habitat and tolerate humans after the harm that we have done to them was awe-inspiring.
We then confronted some of humanities worst history when we visited S21 Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum. An audio-guided tour led us through the haunting corridors of the detention center where we saw first hand the very cells, torture devices, shackles, and pictures of the people that who faced unimaginable suffering at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The chills echoed through my bones as I walked through the cells while listening to survivor testimonies and viewed gruesome photos. The experience was a grim reminder of the darkness humanity is capable of.
After a long and emotional week, we had a few day break that we spent on the shores of Kep Beach. The beach was incredibly relaxing despite a good dose of food poisoning that hit me. All in all, an incredibly educational, emotional, and fantastic week.
