Recognizing that sustainable community development requires not only knowledge but also practical skills and innovative thinking, My Village Organization (MVi) successfully organized its Second Staff Capacity Building Training on 16 June 2026 under the Mutual Learning for Nature & People (MLNP) Project. Titled “MVi Capacity Building Training: Empowering Staff to Drive Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Green Micro-Business Development for Local Communities, Facilitated by the Project Participants of the Social & Economic Enhancement Programme (SEEP), the training focused on transforming climate-smart ideas into practical and market-oriented solutions that can be applied to strengthen green livelihoods and community resilience in Stung Treng Province.

Unlike the first training, which introduced the foundations of climate change and sustainable development, this second session emphasized how those concepts can be translated into real community actions and Green Micro-Business opportunities. Through practical discussions and experience sharing, participants explored how renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular resource management, and enterprise development can work together to create environmentally responsible and economically viable livelihood models.

A key highlight of the programme was the introduction of renewable energy and solar panel waste management. Participants gained practical insights into responsible management of end-of-life solar panels through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, while also exploring how renewable energy technologies can contribute to reducing environmental impacts and supporting sustainable rural development. The training reinforced the importance of adopting resource-efficient practices that minimize waste and maximize the value of available materials.

The programme further demonstrated how multi-layer farming, organic farming, efficient waste management, and low-cost livestock feeding practices can improve productivity, restore soil health, conserve water, and reduce production costs. Rather than presenting these as individual technologies, the sessions illustrated how they can be integrated into climate-smart farming systems that strengthen food security and generate sustainable income for local communities. Participants were also introduced to practical business development tools, enabling them to identify local opportunities, assess available resources, and develop environmentally sustainable Green Micro-Business initiatives that respond to local needs.

To broaden participants’ understanding of enterprise development, the facilitators used the Bangladesh farming process as a practical learning model to demonstrate the complete agricultural value chain—from production planning and crop management to post-harvest handling, storage, transportation, marketing, and value addition. The training concluded by examining the opportunities and challenges of Green Micro-Business development in Stung Treng and identifying practical strategies to strengthen market access, improve business resilience, and create long-term economic opportunities through locally driven solutions.

By combining technical knowledge with practical business approaches and field experiences shared by the SEEP Project Participants, the training strengthened MVi staff’s capacity to facilitate climate-resilient, market-oriented, and environmentally sustainable livelihood initiatives. As the second staff capacity building training under the MLNP Project, the programme reaffirmed MVi’s commitment to continuous organizational learning and to equipping its staff with the knowledge and skills needed to support resilient indigenous communities and sustainable local development across Stung Treng Province.

Continuous learning is essential for delivering meaningful and sustainable development outcomes. Guided by this principle, My Village Organization (MVi) successfully organized an Internal Knowledge Sharing and Reflection Session under the Mutual Learning for Nature & People (MLNP) Project, creating a platform for staff and project participants to reflect on experiences, celebrate achievements, identify challenges, and strengthen future project implementation.

A significant outcome of the session was the collective reflection on implementation challenges and the practical solutions adopted throughout the project’s early stages. Participants discussed issues such as language barriers, coordination, and scheduling constraints, while highlighting how teamwork, regular communication, and collaborative problem-solving helped maintain project progress. The session reinforced the value of documenting lessons learned and applying those insights to improve future interventions.

More than a routine review meeting, the Internal Knowledge Sharing and Reflection Session demonstrated MVi’s commitment to becoming a learning organization—one that continuously improves by listening, reflecting, and adapting. By strengthening collaboration and promoting evidence-based decision-making, the session has further enhanced MVi’s capacity to deliver climate-resilient, community-driven, and sustainable development initiatives for indigenous communities in Stung Treng Province.

MVi extends its sincere appreciation to the Project Participants of SEEP and all staff members for their active participation, openness, and commitment to mutual learning. Their collective knowledge and shared experiences continue to strengthen the partnership and contribute to the successful implementation of the MLNP Project.

My Village Organization (MVi) recently welcomed representatives from WorldFish for a coordination and knowledge exchange meeting at its office in Stung Treng Province. The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange experiences, discuss their ongoing initiatives, and explore areas of mutual interest in promoting sustainable and climate-resilient community development.

The discussions highlighted several environmentally friendly business models, including climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming systems, renewable energy applications, efficient resource management, and value-added livelihood opportunities. The Project Participants also demonstrated how these business ideas are designed to address local challenges by creating income-generating opportunities, strengthening climate resilience, and encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources.

Beyond the exchange of ideas, the meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual learning among development organizations. Both organizations recognized that combining local experience with technical expertise can foster more innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions for community development.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining close communication and exploring future opportunities for collaboration. MVi believes that such knowledge exchange initiatives not only strengthen institutional partnerships but also inspire innovation and contribute to developing environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and community-driven livelihood opportunities for the people of Stung Treng Province.

As part of its commitment to strengthening organizational capacity and promoting sustainable community development, My Village Organization (MVi) organized its First Staff Capacity Building Training on 2 June 2026 under the Mutual Learning for Nature & People (MLNP) Project. Titled “MVi Capacity Building Training: Empowering Staff to Drive Climate Action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Green Micro-Business Development for Local Communities,” the training was facilitated by the Project Participants of the Social & Economic Enhancement Programme (SEEP). The event marked the beginning of a series of organizational learning initiatives designed to enhance the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies of MVi staff, enabling them to better support climate-resilient and sustainable livelihoods within local communities.

The training aimed to enhance staff knowledge and technical capacity on Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Green Micro-Business, Cambodia’s climate context, and climate adaptation strategies. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, and experience-sharing sessions, participants strengthened their understanding of how climate change affects communities and how sustainable development approaches can contribute to building resilient livelihoods.

A key focus of the training was Green Micro-Business, where participants explored environmentally friendly livelihood options such as organic farming, tree nurseries, compost production, waste recycling, renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, and eco-friendly food processing. The sessions highlighted how these initiatives can create income opportunities while protecting natural resources and supporting sustainable local development.

Participants also learned about Cambodia’s climate history, changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and the specific climate challenges facing Stung Treng Province. These discussions helped staff better understand local climate risks and identify practical adaptation measures that can be integrated into community-based development programmes.

One of the most valuable aspects of the training was the peer-learning approach, where the SEEP Project Participants shared their practical experiences and lessons learned from implementing the MLNP Project. This exchange of knowledge encouraged collaborative learning, strengthened institutional capacity, and equipped MVi staff with practical insights that can be applied in future project implementation.

As the first staff capacity-building initiative under the MLNP Project, the training laid a strong foundation for future organizational learning. MVi believes that investing in staff development is essential for improving programme quality and delivering more effective, climate-resilient, and sustainable development interventions for indigenous communities in Stung Treng Province.

MVi sincerely appreciates the valuable contributions of the Project Participants of SEEP for sharing their expertise and practical experiences. Their support reflects the spirit of mutual learning that lies at the heart of the MLNP Project and continues to strengthen collaboration between partner organizations.

Koh Sneng commune, located along the Mekong River in Stung Treng province, frequently faces the devastating impacts of climate change—floods, storms, and droughts have become part of daily life.

In recent years, these disasters have disrupted thousands of livelihoods, particularly affecting women, whose voices often go unheard in decision-making processes.

Ms. Na Osa, 62, the first deputy of Koh Sneng commune council, is one of the few women in leadership striving to change that.

Despite holding a position as the commune’s disaster management focal point, she initially admitted, “Even now, I’m not clear what climate change truly means.”

Supported by My Village Organization (MVi) and Oxfam, Ms. Na Osa participated in a series of capacity-building workshops focused on disaster management, vulnerability risk assessment (VRA), and early warning systems (App 1294).

Equipped with new knowledge and tools, she actively engaged in community planning sessions, contributing to discussions that identified local climate challenges and adaptive responses.

Her involvement became instrumental in shifting local governance toward more inclusive, climate-informed decision-making. Ms. Na Osa’s transformation—from uncertainty to action—motivated others, especially women and youth, to join climate planning efforts and steward the commune’s natural resources more responsibly.

She passionately encourages community participation: “Even if some jobs don’t bring income, we must take ownership and care for our resources to reduce disaster risks.”

Today, her leadership symbolizes the growing recognition of women’s roles in climate resilience. By bridging community knowledge and institutional processes, Ms. Na Osa is helping build a more informed, adaptive, and united Koh Sneng—one that recognizes inclusion as essential to sustainability.

In a part of awareness raising to community members on deep pool conservation boundary, in 2021 youths collaborated with Samkhouy local authorities to install the Yay Ey deep pool conservation in Srea Tapan village, Samkhouy commune, Sesan district, Stung Treng province that it was participated from Samkhouy commune councilor, Samkhouy commune police and Srea Tapan youths representative. Under small grant, Srea Tapan CFi committee has proposed some activity to conduct the awareness raising to community members on their deep pool conservation boundary because in conservation area is not allowed for fishing if someone do the fishing in deep pool conservation will be punished by CFi committee bases on Srea Tapan by-law.

In Koh Sneang village, nestled within the broader Koh Sneang commune of Stung Treng province, climate change and disaster risks—floods, storms, and prolonged drought—have deeply impacted local communities.

Amid these challenges, 62-year-old Mrs. Ousa, a woman with a disability and member of the commune council, has emerged as a trailblazing leader in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

With limited prior knowledge of climate issues, Mrs. Ousa joined the Strengthening Community Resilience (SCR) project—an initiative supported by Oxfam and facilitated by My Village Organization (MVi).

The project provided her with technical training, workshops, and leadership development in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and early warning systems.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Before, I didn’t know what climate change was—even though I was on the disaster management committee. Now, I lead sessions that help my community prepare.”

Empowered by this support, Mrs. Ousa organized community trainings on disaster preparedness, coordinated response plans, and became a key advocate for the 1294 early warning app.

By working closely with fellow council members and community groups, she ensured local residents—including women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups—could access timely information and build resilience.

Her commitment not only increased public awareness of climate risks but also brought greater visibility to the capacities of persons with disabilities in local leadership. Through her efforts, Koh Sneang has improved its responsiveness to climate threats, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in building community-wide resilience.

Mrs. Ousa’s transformation exemplifies the power of capacity building and inclusive engagement. Her leadership reinforces a vital message: when marginalized voices are equipped and empowered, they can lead their communities toward safer, more sustainable futures.

In the heart of Mondulkiri’s forests, Indigenous communities face mounting threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change. In response, My Village Organization (MVi) launched an initiative to empower Indigenous Women Groups (IWGs) and Indigenous Youth Groups (IYGs), nurturing their role as environmental stewards.

Over 50 Indigenous women and youths in the Or Boun Leu Community Protected Area (CPA) received training in sustainable forest management, GPS tracking, and data collection. These efforts enabled 52 forest patrols, uncovering 33 illegal logging incidents and dismantling 64 wildlife traps. Beyond enforcement, the project built capacity, igniting youth leadership and integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies.

“I don’t just see trees—I see it as my future, my IP culture, and my home,” shared 24-year-old Sy Soktho, an IYG member and CPA Committee representative. Through hands-on forest patrols and school-based outreach, Soktho and her peers helped raise awareness on biodiversity, responsible land use, and climate change adaptation, linking generations through shared responsibility.

The Enhancing Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Women Participation in Community Protected Area Forest Monitoring and Climate Change Adaptation in Mondulkiri Project (EIPCC) promoted trust and collaboration between communities and local authorities. It ensured that Indigenous voices shaped conservation efforts, preserving both ecological integrity and cultural heritage.

Community members like Mr. Sat Sot, a senior CPA representative, expressed deep pride in the youth-led transformation: “Seeing our youth and women take the lead gives me great hope. Conservation is not just a responsibility—it’s a way of life.”

In Borey O’Svaysenchay District, a locally led research initiative has transformed how community voices are recognized in fisheries management.

Facilitated by women and youth across three villages—Krom, Koh Snaeng, and Tunsang—the project monitored fish catch patterns and species abundance over four months, revealing actionable insights into sustainability and livelihood resilience.

Fishing is central to household economies and food security in the region. However, environmental degradation and overfishing have put long-term viability at risk. Historically, policies overlooked indigenous knowledge and women’s contributions in fish processing and marketing.

To counter this, the community research team, supported by MVi, underwent five months of capacity-building in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Marginalized voices were prioritized through inclusive facilitation and reflection.

Key findings highlighted traditional fishing techniques and locally adapted innovations that help sustain fish populations. The study also underscored women’s pivotal economic roles, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive governance.

“Our knowledge of fishing practices has been passed down through generations; it’s time for that knowledge to guide decisions.” — Thyda, woman leader, Krom “When women are part of the conversation, everyone benefits.” — Pheasdey, youth leader, Tunsang “This is about safeguarding our future.” — Somdon, woman leader, Koh Snaeng

The district governor’s commitment to integrate these findings into the 5-year development plan marks an institutional shift toward participatory planning.

This case demonstrates how community-led research can influence formal decision-making while elevating women’s leadership in environmental stewardship.