The Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii), found along the Mekong River, plays an important role in the food chain and biodiversity of this region in Cambodia. This species of turtle is also an honor to the nation, as Cambodia is recognized as a country that actively protects this species, among many other species of turtles, which have almost become extinct in many countries across Southeast Asia. In Sitha Som's talk, he speaks of the endless research and protection practices to ensure the safety of turtles from the many threats they face, as well as the beauty and importance turtles provide the natural ecosystems of Cambodia. Som Sitha, has been a biologist working to conserve freshwater turtles and tortoises since 2004. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the Royal University of Phnom Penh in the year 2000 and completing research and his thesis on 'Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Distribution in Southwest Cambodia'. Since then he has continued his research and discovered many new records of turtle species for Cambodia. This has led to several important publications and recorded data for current and future conservation. Som Sitha graduated with a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Massey University of New Zealand in 2014. In 2008, he became a member of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) and in 2021, a member of the Crocodile Specialist Group. In 2021, Som Sitha was honored as a Mekong Hero by Wonder of the Mekong. Som Sitha is the Mekong and Sre Ambel Project Manager at the Wildlife Conservation Society in Cambodia. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx