Expelled environmental activist Alex Gonzalez-Davidson is touring cities in North America that boast large ethnic Cambodian populations to raise funds and support for Mother Nature, a “movement” he co-founded that campaigns against the destruction of the Areng Valley.

“After I was unjustly exiled by the government from Cambodia, I thought it would be a good thing to visit the US and Canada and start building much needed relationships with Khmers living here,” he said in an email.

“Khmers in North America might not have the time to go and participate in the campaigns our team conducts on the ground, but they can contribute with small donations. This not only allows us to expand the movement, but also, we like to think, makes them proud of having taken part in the protection of their country’s natural resources.”

Gonzalez-Davidson was deported on February 23 following years of campaigning against the Stung Cheay Areng hydropower dam project in Koh Kong province. Campaigners say the dam would be devastating for the Areng Valley.