Sen Monorom Waterfall

- aka Dom Nak Sdach Water fall - King Sihanouk’s home  

During our almost 3 years in Mondolkiri, the Sen Monorom Watertfall grounds, for the most part , was taken care by a Westerner, Brian who lived and worked with a Bunong family at the waterfall. During his time with them, he built a number of things: a bridge, a platform with wooden planks for chairs and table.   He even built two recycling garbage containers using chicken mesh and water pipe to shape and hold the wire into place;  one container for beer cans and the other for plastic.  As a result of Brian’s watchful eye, the grounds used by  a number of vendors, tourists and alike,  were respectfully clean.  The waterfall, a place of serenity, became a place of reflection, for yoga lessons, a place for people to enjoy …

Sadly, now that Brian has gone, the waterfall is chocked up with garbage; Styrofoam, plastic bags, beer cans, you name it,  the grounds are strewn with it.  The two recycling containers that he diligently built have now disappeared.  Unfortunately, what was thought to be sustainable from an English person’s watchful eye, who kept the grounds clean, have now reverted back to a garbage dump.

The Westerner’s perception, making the effort to keep the grounds clean, ironically, has been trashed by middle class local individuals, who may feel entitled?  More to the point, do local individuals lack respect outside their ‘common property’?   Sustainability cannot be imposed on change and attitude of the people.   Could it be that  ‘do it’ by example, isn't an option?

Brian’s intent was also a motivation for economic reasons; collecting beer cans for money.  

On a blissful note, Happy Solstice to all you.  There will be a full moon, the guest of honour,  that will appear on Christmas dayf or the first time in 38 years.

More later ... :)