“Amazing Nature of Cambodia”: Raising Public Awareness and Celebrating Cambodia’s Rich Natural Heritage

Phnom Penh, 23 October 2026 — Government institutions, conservation organizations, the private sector, educational institutions, media, communities and youth groups are joining forces to organize “Amazing Nature of Cambodia”, celebrating Cambodia’s precious natural heritage and encouraging everyone to help protect it.

The event will be held Oct. 24–25, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Aeon Hall on the third floor of AEON Mall Sen Sok City in Phnom Penh. Under the theme “Appreciating the Value of Nature,” it will showcase Cambodia’s forests, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems, as well as their role in providing clean water, food, livelihoods, cultural identity and tourism opportunities that contribute to the national economy. The event will also bring conservation knowledge closer to urban communities and young people who have limited opportunities to learn firsthand in natural settings.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Tourism. This multisector collaboration links public education with national priorities for protecting natural resources, supporting livelihoods and advancing sustainable development.

H.E. Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said: “The Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028 sets out communication as a driving force, focusing on changing public behavior and engaging all stakeholders to achieve cleanliness, greenness and sustainability. Major initiatives include reducing plastic use; partnering with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to cultivate ‘clean habits and a clean culture’, the Green Sprouts campaign; and seedling nursery, distributing and planting at least one million trees each year. Our success requires every individual’s participation. ‘Amazing Nature of Cambodia’ aligns with the strategy and adds an important activity for sharing knowledge and nurturing a love of the environment.”

The connection between nature and livelihoods is another central theme. By meeting community representatives and learning about their products, visitors can see how responsible production and consumption can help conserve natural resources.

H.E. Ung Samath, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, linked the initiative to the National Policy on Agricultural Development 2022–2030, which emphasizes competitiveness, inclusion, climate resilience and sustainability. “Farmers and fishers depend on land, water and natural resources for their livelihoods and to provide food for us all,” he said. “Our agricultural development policy prioritizes increasing productivity and income while using resources sustainably. When people understand where their food comes from and choose to support responsible production, they also contribute to community livelihoods and nature conservation.”

Accurate, balanced reporting that draws on credible sources and reflects diverse perspectives on conservation, appreciation for nature, and the promotion of tourism and agriculture will be central themes of discussions during the campaign. With the support and participation of national media outlets—including Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), National Television of Cambodia (TVK), National Radio of Cambodia (RNK), and other media partners—stories about nature, communities, and green initiatives are reaching wider audiences both in Cambodia and internationally.

H.E. Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, emphasized: “Public and private media, conservationists, community members, journalists, content creators, young people and other stakeholders are vital driving forces in telling true stories and sharing accurate information about Cambodia with the world. Upholding truth, professional ethics and a high level of responsibility before sharing information provides a strong shield against misinformation and disinformation. Communicating about nature through clear sources and verified facts builds trust, promotes conservation, tourism and community development, and enhances Cambodia’s international reputation. We must work together to take positive action for nature, for the national interest and for development.”

A panel discussion on the event’s first day will bring together representatives from government institutions, conservation organizations, the media and youth groups to examine responsible communication, social media use and public participation in protecting wildlife and endangered species. Panelists will discuss practical challenges and identify ways institutions and individuals can help prevent wildlife crime and safeguard Cambodia’s natural heritage.

“Amazing Nature of Cambodia” is co-organized by Conservation International Cambodia, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Wild Earth Allies, the Wonders of the Mekong, IBIS Rice and Sam Veasna Conservation Stays, WWF, NatureLife Cambodia, Fauna & Flora, WWT and IUCN with government institutions and private-sector partners includes AEON Mall Sen Sok City, Siempang Forest Lodge, Cardamom Tented Camp, Canvas & Orchids Retreat, media partners, educational institutions, youth groups and communities that have contributed to the event. The organizers aim to make conservation knowledge accessible and easy to understand while creating opportunities for collaboration beyond the two-day event.

Mr. Oum Sony, Country Director of Conservation International Cambodia and a representative of the event’s organizing committee, said: “Amazing Nature of Cambodia brings conservation stories and initiatives from stakeholders across sectors to a public platform, enabling citizens, especially young people, to learn, participate and recognize their role in protecting nature. As a science-based conservation organization, we have a responsibility to communicate scientific knowledge and evidence in accessible ways, while serving as a bridge among partners, mobilizing resources and promoting cooperation so people and nature can thrive together in harmony.”

Young people are also helping to organize the event, assist participants and promote the campaign. For volunteers, participation provides an opportunity to learn from experts and apply that knowledge through practical activities.

Ms. Hak Socheata, a youth volunteer at the event, said: “I believe young people have a vital role in protecting nature. Volunteering at this event has given me the opportunity to learn from conservationists and better understand the connection between nature and our lives. Although I live in the city, climate change and the loss of natural resources are not distant issues. Nature protects and sustains us every day, and we have a responsibility to protect it in return. I want to see more young people participate, learn and discover what they can do for nature. We can start with what is within our reach, because every action, either large or small, can contribute to positive change.”

First held in 2026, “Amazing Nature of Cambodia” aims to raise public awareness and celebrate Cambodia’s rich natural heritage through educational activities, hands-on learning and community participation. Everyone is welcome—families, students, teachers, conservation practitioners, business representatives, journalists and anyone curious about Cambodia’s extraordinary natural heritage. Come explore the two-day event, meet exhibitors and community representatives, ask questions, and discover a practical action you can take at home or in your community to help nature thrive.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mrs. Sophearoth Ravy

Communication and Outreach Manager, Conservation International Cambodia

Email: sravy@conservation.org | Tel: 070409276