Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia introduces a unique beer to support local conservation efforts at Botum Sakor National Park.
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Botum Sakor National Park, Cardamom Tented Camp not only offers a gateway to Cambodia’s pristine natural beauty but now adds a refreshing twist to conservation efforts with its own brand of beer. Dubbed Cardamom Mountains Steam beer, this initiative aligns with the camp’s eco-friendly ethos, extending its conservation impact from stay to savor.
Since its establishment in 2017, the ecolodge has championed environmental preservation through the mantra, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing.” Today, it evolves this mission further, inviting beer enthusiasts to contribute to the cause with every sip of their specially crafted brew. Allan Michaud, the camp manager, aptly phrases it: “Now it’s the turn of beer drinkers to take one for the team and do their bit for conservation.”
The beer, a hybrid Steam variety crafted in collaboration with Yuki Aotani, founder of Flowers microbrewery in Phnom Penh, has quickly found favor among guests. Selected by Michaud after meticulous tasting sessions, this slightly hoppy beer boasts a 5.2 percent alcohol content and is sold in eco-conscious recycled 330ml bottles at the lodge’s riverside restaurant for US$4.50 each.
The revenue generated from beer sales is instrumental in funding the wages of 16 forest rangers dedicated to patrolling the 18,000 hectares of the surrounding lowland evergreen forest. These conservation efforts are vital in combating illegal poaching, land grabs, and riverbank sand dredging.
The impact is tangible: illegal hunting has plummeted by approximately 90 percent over the past seven years, leading to increased sightings of rare wildlife such as Asian elephants, silver langurs, smooth-coated otters, and leopard cats. This summer, the addition of two new Wildlife Alliance forest rangers has bolstered these conservation endeavors.
Beyond the Cardamom Mountains Steam beer, the camp also offers locally made Ibis beer, with profits directed towards protecting the endangered Ibis bird. Additionally, craft beers from Stonehead brewery further enrich the selection, ensuring that guests can enjoy a range of beverages that support local suppliers and underscore the camp’s commitment to sustainability.
With local Khmer dishes also gracing the menu, guests at Cardamom Tented Camp can indulge in a culinary experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also contributes to the preservation of one of Cambodia’s largest national parks. As Michaud notes, almost every aspect of the camp is designed to support conservation and promote local community welfare, making every visit a step towards a more sustainable future.
