Friends of Koh Rong

Established in 2012, Friends of Koh Rong exists to help the local communities oof the Koh Rong islands to adapt to the tourism industry that is changing their way of life forever.

Located two hours off the coast of mainland Cambodia, Koh Rong and it's neighbouring islands were for many years considered to be a hidden gem. Now firmly part of the backpacker trail around South-East Asia, Koh Rong is set for major development, with the Cambodian Government having granted a 99 year lease over much of the island to a conglomerate.

Friends of Koh Rong is a grass roots initiative working closely with the local community on Koh Rong island, Cambodia. We adopt a participatory approach to capacity building and community development. FoKR focuses on education, art and music, health and nutrition, community outreach, youth empowerment and female empowerment. A fundamental part of FoKR’s work is involved with bridging the gap between the growing tourist industry and the local people. We care that tourism develops in a way that respects the dignity of the people living here. 

The dynamics of island culture are constantly prompting FoKR to accept new approaches to the work we do and embrace new unorthodox methods of empowering the community.