Training on social media management

Cambodia is rich in natural resources such as mangrove forests, and the coastal areas of Cambodia used to have the largest seagrass bed in Southeast Asia. However, Cambodian coastal areas, notably mangroves and seawaters, are facing significant destruction issues, mainly due to illegal fishing practices, conversion for agriculture or aquaculture, and port development.

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is a local NGO working to protect, conserve, and restore Cambodia’s marine environment. They focus on conservation and marine research to support the adaptable management of marine protected and management areas, promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices, and provide support to local communities.

The NGO has played a key role in establishing Cambodia’s first Marine Fisheries Management Area, and through their activities, they have contributed to the return of marine life to the area. This includes seagrass regrowth and an increase in marine mammal populations, among other positive outcomes.

However, MCC recognizes the need to further strengthen its communication and outreach efforts in order to increase visibility among the general public, potential donors, and other stakeholders. While the organization has established a growing presence on social media and has begun engaging with local media, there is significant potential to improve how MCC communicates its work and impact.

MCC would particularly benefit from support in content creation, including photography, videography, photo and video editing, storytelling, and the production of engaging communication materials. High-quality visual and written content not only helps communicate MCC’s activities more effectively but also contributes to a more professional public image, which becomes increasingly important as the organization reaches wider audiences and engages with new partners and supporters. In addition, training in media relations and public relation, such as writing press releases, reaching out to journalists, and conducting interviews, would help the organization build stronger connections with local and international media. Professional guidance in these areas would enable MCC to develop communication approaches that are both effective and feasible within its available resources.

The volunteer intervention should / could encompass the following topics:

• Assisting MCC in strengthening its communication and outreach approach, considering the organization’s existing resources and capacities.
• Supporting the team in the creation of communication materials, including photography, videography, and photo and video editing
• Providing practical guidance and training in content creation and visual story telling
• Following the initial mission there may be opportunities for subsequent missions focused on advanced photography, videography and editing

Two Planète Urgence volunteers came at the end of 2024 and 2025 to work on the basics of communication and the tools involved. This mission therefore follows on from previous training sessions on this subject for the same group of people.

MCC’s office is located on an uninhabited island in Cambodia. There are no restaurants or tourist facilities on the island. Living and working on Koh Ach Seh is not intended to provide a pleasant and relaxing holiday experience.

During their days off (Saturday/Sunday), volunteers can relax on the island or participate in team activities, but they are not permitted to engage in diving activities due to safety reasons.

Although not inherently dangerous, snakes, rats, and scorpions are commonly found on the island.

Volunteers will receive information about the island and Cambodian etiquette. The MCC team expects volunteers to respect this etiquette.

Staff members, particularly the members of the communication team

The volunteer will be welcomed at Phnom Penh Airport by a member of PU team and will be transported to a hotel near the airport for an overnight stay.

The volunteer will leave by bus/mini-bus on Sunday at 7.00 am (approx. 3h30 of travel) to Kep, will take a tuk-tuk from bus station to the pier and will then take MMC’s at 3.00 pm boat to reach Koh Ach She Island (approx. 45min).

On the way back, the volunteer will travel on Friday by boat to Kep and then by mini-bus/bus to Phnom Penh for an overnight stay and will leave the country on Saturday.

Airport Phnom Penh KTI

The volunteer will be staying at MCC’s facilities in Koh Ach She Island. The volunteers will be staying in gender divided bungalows shared between two to six people, staff and volunteers mixed. Every room contains three bunk-beds with mosquito nets, power and light at night as well as an en suite bathroom with a rainwater bucket shower and toilet. This is not a luxury retreat; walls have holes and geckos and rats living in the neighboring jungle.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be taken in the NGO’s facilities on the island. Vegetarian meals can be arranged but the volunteers have to be flexible.

-Volunteer should bring a laptop.
Optional comm equipment: Camera, microphone, drone…
Power will be available in the bungalows at nighttime.
Wi-fi is not available on the island. The volunteers will use the data of a 4G Sim card provided by PU’s team upon their arrival in Phnom Penh.