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.

In Thboung Kla village, O’maras commune, Stung Treng province, Mrs. Khun Sothy has emerged as a determined voice for grassroots development. A mother of four and member of an agricultural community, she once lived a quiet life farming and growing vegetables. But her journey took a meaningful turn when local authorities recognized her active participation and selected her as a community women’s leader.

Initially, Mrs. Sothy faced self-doubt and limited experience in leadership. “At first, I didn’t know how to lead women’s groups or organize meetings,” she recalled. That changed when she received capacity-building support from My Village Organization (MVi), including training on gender action learning, leadership, decision-making, and community mobilization.

Equipped with new skills, Mrs. Sothy began holding meetings to share knowledge and mobilize Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, and women to engage in outreach activities. She led issue-collection discussions in her community and represented them in monthly commune council meetings, ensuring their voices influenced the village development plan.

Her growth wasn’t just personal—it was catalytic. Her efforts sparked wider community participation in development planning, especially among women and underrepresented groups. Through partnerships with fishery communities and local authorities, she promoted sustainable resource management and advocated for communal needs.“

“I want to urge all women to be brave and willing to work,” she said. “Even if it doesn’t bring income, everyone has the right to participate in developing our village and protecting our fisheries.”

In Koh Sneang village, Stung Treng Province, 26-year-old Mrs. Kon Somdon, a mother of two, has emerged as a dynamic force in community-led climate action. As the women’s group chief, she initially had limited understanding of climate change and its impacts. But through her involvement in the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) initiative, her perspective and leadership were transformed.

The VRA process introduced her to critical climate concerns facing her village, including shifting weather patterns, rising water levels, and frequent extreme weather events. Equipped with new knowledge, Mrs. Somdon convened village meetings to discuss climate threats and adaptation strategies. Her leadership ensured that the needs of women, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and children were integrated into local adaptation planning.

Capacity-building workshops boosted her confidence and skills, enabling her to actively shape the development of inclusive climate action plans. Recognizing her effectiveness, she was selected to advocate for climate priorities in the Koh Sneang Commune Investment Program (CIP). With determination and community support, she championed the inclusion of climate-resilient projects such as early warning systems (App 1294), installation of flood-level billboards, water-level measurement poles, and climate-smart agriculture.

Mrs. Somdon’s impact extended beyond her village. She began participating in district and provincial dialogues, ensuring grassroots perspectives were heard in broader climate policymaking. Her advocacy helped place community resilience at the center of subnational development agendas.

Her story underscores the power of inclusive leadership and knowledge-sharing. From hesitant participant to respected advocate, Mrs. Kon Somdon has played a pivotal role in transforming climate resilience in Koh Sneang. Her journey serves as an inspiration for other women seeking to shape development priorities from the ground up.

Recognizing that threats to forests, wildlife and biodiversity are the most important issues in the eastern landscape of Cambodia. My Village is an NGO that carries out a number of activities to conserve natural resources by empowering indigenous communities such as protected area communities, ethnic women’s networks, and ethnic youth networks.

Project of Youths’ Action for Biodiversity Conservation (YABC) focus on youth participation to increase the capacity for widespread dissemination of forests, wildlife, biodiversity and the environment, especially to local communities effectively.

Through the above issues, My Village Organization organized a training course on: “Reduction of Luxury Wood Furniture Consumption” for 13-school youth in the target area of ​​Mondulkiri province for youths. The purpose of this training is to 

– Increase awareness of the benefits of forests and biodiversity

– Raise awareness of the impact of using luxury wood furniture

– Increase the positive attitude of the participants and share it with their friends, family as well as through Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)

A total of 325 youths (226 women) and 159 indigenous youth (116 women) participated. Through pre-testing the ability of youths, we observed that we provided the training, only about 43 percentage have an understanding of the forest and luxury wood furniture. In contrast, after they received the training from My Village Organization on: “Reduction of Luxury Wood Furniture Consumption”, they can learn more about the forest, as well as the problem of furniture made from luxury wood up to 80 percentage. In addition, they committed to reduce of using the furniture made of luxury wood from day to day, as well as to share the knowledge they gained from this training to share to their families, relatives, friends and the community as much possible. Furthermore, they also gained a lot positive thinking and how to talk about forest issues and luxury wood furniture to their relatives, families, friends and community for reduction of luxury wood consumption and forest and biodiversity conservation. The methods that have been successfully implemented in this training course include group discussion, presentation, Q&A, watching educational videos and role play which can encourage they to reduce shyness or fear to express themselves, especially the performance from role play helped the youths to remember and better understand the relationship between the forest and luxury wood furniture. 

***Note: For scoring the test of youth’s ability before and after the training, use the evaluation level of five numbers, the lowest score is represented as number 1 and the highest score is represented as number 5. Thank you!

In the riverine village of Koh Sralao, Stung Treng province, 52-year-old Mrs. Loeur Sin has emerged as a role model for women in agriculture and climate resilience. Living 35 kilometers from Stung Treng town and accessible only by boat, her community thrives on farming, fishing, and forest resources.

Among them, Mrs. Sin stands out as a leading agricultural promoter formed by My Village Organization (MVi), actively engaging in climate discussions and community development initiatives.

With technical support from MVi, Sin adopted the climate-smart agriculture (CSA) model, transforming her home garden into a diversified source of income and climate adaptation.

In 2024, she cultivated a range of vegetables including peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and lettuce. Harvesting 10–20 kilograms each session, she supplies about 225 kilograms weekly to local buyers at the Mekong Bird Resort, earning approximately 337,500 riels per week.

Notably, she also collects produce from fellow farmers, strengthening local networks and livelihoods.

Beyond her economic success, Sin is passionate about empowering other women and youth. “They can do the same as I do,” she shared. “It’s about creating income and increasing our voices in community development.” Her learning journey—supported by MVi and Oxfam—deepened her understanding of gender equality and inclusive climate adaptation.

Yet, challenges persist. Women’s voices in decision-making remain limited due to heavy workloads and poor access to climate information. Sin stresses that women must play central roles in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, engaging with institutions like CCDM, DCDM, and RUA to strengthen village planning.

Today, Mrs. Sin is not only a producer but also a speaker, sharing best practices in workshops and mentoring others. Her leadership reflects the potential of grassroots women to drive inclusive, climate-smart agriculture across Cambodia’s vulnerable landscapes.