Explore how a luxury tented camp is transforming conservation and community empowerment in Cambodia’s lush rainforest

Imagine waking up surrounded by lush greenery, breathing in the fresh air of the rainforest while birds chirp. What if you could experience all of this while contributing towards the conservation and well-being of the environment and the local community? 

As travelers, we are responsible for protecting the planet while exploring it. The world is full of stunning natural beauty, but it’s also under threat. That’s why it’s important to choose sustainable destinations that prioritize environmental preservation and support for local communities. Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection, a luxury tented camp in the South Cardamom Forest in Cambodia, is one such destination. This eco-lodge has recently joined The Long Run—a global community of businesses committed to using tourism as a force for good—to work towards best practices across Conservation, Community, Commerce, and Culture, also known as The Long Run 4Cs.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognizes The Long Run as one of the world’s most rigorous sustainability standards. Members of the Long Run leverage the potential of nature-based businesses to benefit the people and the planet. Together, they conserve over 21 million acres of biodiversity and improve the lives of 750,000 people. 

Conservation: Protecting biodiversity in the heart of the forest

Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection is located in a pristine river valley on the southern border of the Cardamom National Forest. This untouched wilderness is home to many rare and endangered species, including Asian elephants. The eco-lodge is fully committed to protecting this fragile ecosystem and conserving the 865-acre river valley. 

Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection has an ambitious, long-term conservation goal of safeguarding the region’s rare and endangered wildlife on the IUCN Red List through its active support of the Wildlife Alliance. This vulnerable habitat is under threat, and conserving this exceptional piece of nature is critical. 

Community: Empowering local people through education and healthcare

Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection is more than just a luxury lodge in the jungle. It’s also a hub of community development, thanks to the work of the Shinta Mani Foundation. This non-profit organization aims to improve lives in the surrounding villages through education, healthcare, small business development, and environmental preservation.

The Foundation’s Hospitality School is a cornerstone of this strategy, providing vocational training in hospitality and tourism to young people from the local community. Empowering these young people with the skills they need creates a positive impact and contributes to a thriving Cambodia.

Commerce: Supporting local economies through responsible tourism

Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection is a shining example of responsible tourism done right. The eco-lodge actively sources its food and products locally, supports the local economy, and reduces its carbon footprint. Shinta Mani Wild also employs local staff, providing them with fair wages and career advancement opportunities. 

By investing in the local community, the eco-lodge is helping to build a sustainable future for Cambodia.

Culture: Preserving the rich heritage of the region

The South Cardamom Forest is not only a natural wonder but also a place of rich cultural heritage.

Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection strives to preserve and respect the centuries-old heritage. They work closely with local communities to develop programs celebrating the region’s unique culture and traditions. 

David Steyn, General Manager of Shinta Mani Wild, is thrilled to join The Long Run. “What we do at Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection is very much aligned with their ethos and mission, so it is a perfect partnership to ensure that what is created today will be a legacy for future generations.” 

Dr. Anne-Kathrin Zchiegner, Executive Director of The Long Run, agrees. “Our collective future depends on managing all aspects of our interconnected global society and ecosystems. The Long Run community leads by example, collaborating to support holistic sustainability best practices across the conservation, commerce, community, and cultural facets of tourism and nature-based businesses.”

All images: credit to Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection

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