THE ELEPHANT AND BUNONG PROGRAM
The Bunong Project is a local community driven, not-for-profit program to support
the Bunong minority of Pho Lung Village. Bunong Community
The people of Bunong tribe are the original inhabitants of Mondulkiri. They are an anime community with a unique way of life, close to nature. They have been co-existing and working with the elephants of the Mondulkiri forests a
cross generations and has been the source of their livelihood, along with rice and banana farming. Whereas many of them have moved to bigger cities, there are over 80 Bunong families leading a traditional way of life at the Pho Lung village. Their humble dwelling and simple living is far removed from the more developed world that most of us belong to. The elephants of Mondulkiri
The Asian elephant of Mondulkiri – like most - has been facing many challenges for survival and its habitat has been ongoingly disrupted. Today there are 500 elephants in Mondulkiri which brings them very close to extinction.They have been employed for transport, clearing forest areas, bringing down trees and tourism. While modern development has made elephants redundant in most of the above occupations, tourism still remains very active. The Bunong tribe worship the ‘Elephant Spirit’ and are extremely sensitive towards its welfare. What is the Elephant Community Project? The Elephant Community Project (ECP) is a vital part of the Bunong Project that aims to support the livelihood of the local Bunong community at Pho Lung Village. Our objective is to help them sustain by employing their own skills and knowledge about the elephants. This approach enables them to preserve their self-esteem and unique way of life. As we strive to protect the livelihood and heritage of this minority against the rising urban development and increasing competition within the tourism industry, we are equally aware and conscious of the impact it all has on the forests and its inhabitants. ECP is an ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE initiative. We take every care to ensure we do not leave our footprint on the environment. What can you expect from us? ECP gives you a glimpse into the life of a Bunong family. This authentic experience will also give you a true insight into Cambodia. We aim to generate awareness about the Asian Elephant and responsible tourism by creating an intimate and informative experience with one of the most magnificent member of the wild. The elephants are free and keeping its welfare into consideration they are not allowed to ride upon. These awareness tours are conducted by local Bunong (English speaking) guides. Where does your money go:
100% of the profitgenerated by ECP is employed to:
• Support and develop the community people & elephant care.
• To support education for the community
• Pay wages, food and medical support to our Bunong staff and their family.
• Take care the old people in village
