Since its founding in 2013, the Song Saa Foundation has been the driving force behind the Song Saa brand, which is rooted in sustainable development and social responsibility. Founded by Melita Koulmandas, the non-profit organisation was created to protect the natural habitats of the Koh Rong Archipelago and improve the welfare of local communities. The Foundation's enduring mission inspired the creation of Song Saa Private Island, a resort designed to bolster this legacy and create meaningful experiences for conscious travellers.

“Our efforts have had a significant impact on environmental conservation and community well-being. Over the past decade, the Foundation has planted mangroves, established coral nurseries, and led solid waste management programs, processing over 200 metric tons of rubbish to protect local ecosystems. In partnership with International Medical Relief, we also provide free healthcare to the 3,000 inhabitants of the archipelago, while our Boat of Hope – a dedicated Foundation vessel – supports over 500 households with vital resources, education, and healthcare,” said Melita.

“The Foundation's youth education program, benefiting over 200 children, covers critical topics such as conservation, climate change, health, hygiene, organic farming, and English communication. These programs empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills to sustain their communities and environment,” she added.

Melita's vision for the Foundation reflects her deep love for Cambodia, its natural beauty and its citizens. This dedication extends to restoring indigenous fauna and flora, rainforest and wetland ecosystems, and preserving Khmer heritage. As the Foundation seeks to expand its projects to additional villages, it invites travellers to contribute through initiatives like Pack for a Purpose, allowing guests to directly support local communities during their stay at Song Saa Private Island.

The Song Saa Foundation is also home to Cambodia's largest island-based marine conservation initiative through its Ocean Stewardship Program, which supports the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Working in partnership with Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, the Fisheries Administration, and Fauna & Flora International, the Foundation played a key role in establishing the region's first large-scale Marine Protected Area in 2012. This Marine National Park spans the entire archipelago, promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting vital marine biodiversity.

The Foundation's ongoing efforts to restore marine life include the introduction of artificial reefs, coral nursery programs, and seagrass conservation. Through its partnership with Fauna & Flora International, the Foundation has advanced sea turtle conservation efforts and trained local communities in best-practice marine life surveys.

According to Melita, one of the Foundation's most rewarding achievements is its recent discovery of a previously unknown seagrass bed within the Koh Rong Archipelago - the largest in Cambodia.

“This is such an important discovery in the context of climate change, as seagrass (blue carbon) are the most effective carbon sinks on the planet, far higher than rainforests. Mapping this new bed, and cataloguing not only its size, but also the ecosystem within it, is helping Song Saa make an official case to preserve and protect - which benefits communities beyond Koh Rong and even Cambodia,” she explained.

In the fight against ocean plastic pollution, the Song Saa Foundation has partnered with a community-based environmental association and a plastic credit entity to mobilise waste pickers in collecting ocean-bound plastics. This self-sustaining initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also provides livelihoods for communities in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Beach clean-ups, supported by local schoolchildren and fishery departments, have seen over 200 metric tons of trash processed, safeguarding the region's natural beauty.

For more information or to show your support of Song Saa Foundation, please visit https://songsaafoundation.org