Our Voices from the Field series is a behind-the-scenes look into the conservation efforts of our field teams and partners around the world. Ith Srey Oun is the Marine Project Coordinator with Wild Earth Allies’ Cambodia program. Her work focuses on marine species assessment, seagrass conservation efforts, and socioeconomic surveys of Cambodia’s coastal areas. She holds a master’s degree in biodiversity conservation from The Centre for Biodiversity Conservation at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
Why are you dedicated to marine conservation, and how did this interest develop?
My dedication to marine conservation comes from a deep appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. I have a growing concern about the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. The more I learn about the importance of a healthy ocean for biodiversity, climate regulation, and food security, the more I realize the urgency of protecting our marine environment.
My interest in marine conservation developed over time, particularly due to my concerns about threats facing coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass, such as overfishing, coastal development, and climate change. These challenges motivated me to study marine conservation and engage in hands-on projects like coral reef and seagrass monitoring, saving at-risk species such as green sea turtles, and building sustainable solutions for plastic management that benefit both people and the planet.
