AKP Phnom Penh, October 24, 2026 —

Government institutions, conservation organisations, private-sector partners, educational institutions, media outlets, communities and youth groups are joining forces for “Amazing Nature of Cambodia,” a two-day event aimed at raising public awareness and celebrating the Kingdom’s rich natural heritage.

To be held on Oct. 24–25 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Aeon Hall on the third floor of AEON Mall Sen Sok City in Phnom Penh, the event is being organised under the theme “Appreciating the Value of Nature.”

It will showcase Cambodia’s forests, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems, highlighting their importance in providing clean water, food, livelihoods, cultural identity and tourism opportunities that contribute to the national economy. It also aims to make conservation knowledge more accessible to urban communities and young people who have limited opportunities to experience natural environments firsthand.

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, reflecting a multisectoral effort to promote natural resource protection, sustainable livelihoods and sustainable development.

H.E. Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said the initiative was in line with the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028, which identifies communication as a driving force for changing public behaviour and engaging stakeholders in achieving cleanliness, greenness and sustainability.

He highlighted key initiatives under the strategy, including reducing plastic use, promoting a clean culture through cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, implementing the Green Sprouts campaign, and producing, distributing and planting at least one million trees annually.

“‘Amazing Nature of Cambodia’ aligns with the strategy and adds an important activity for sharing knowledge and nurturing a love of the environment,” he said, stressing that success depended on everyone’s participation.

The relationship between nature conservation and livelihoods is another key focus. Through interactions with community representatives and learning about their products, visitors can explore how responsible production and consumption can help protect natural resources while supporting local communities.

H.E. Ung Samath, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the initiative also supported the National Policy on Agricultural Development 2022–2030, which emphasises 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, adding that sustainable resource use and responsible consumer choices could help improve agricultural productivity and income while supporting community livelihoods and nature conservation.

Media engagement is also a central component of the initiative, with discussions highlighting the importance of accurate and balanced reporting based on credible sources and diverse perspectives on conservation, nature appreciation, tourism and agriculture.

With support from national media organisations, including Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), National Television of Cambodia (TVK) and National Radio of Cambodia (RNK), alongside other media partners, stories about nature, communities and green initiatives are reaching wider audiences in Cambodia and internationally.

H.E. Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, underscored the role of media professionals, conservationists, communities, content creators and young people in sharing reliable information about Cambodia.

He said upholding truth, professional ethics and responsibility in disseminating information was essential to countering misinformation and disinformation.

Clear communication based on verified facts, he added, could build public trust, promote conservation, tourism and community development, and enhance Cambodia’s international reputation.

A panel discussion on the first day will bring together representatives of government institutions, conservation organisations, media outlets and youth groups to discuss responsible communication, social media use and public participation in protecting wildlife and endangered species. The discussion will also examine practical ways to prevent wildlife crime and safeguard the country’s natural heritage.

The event is co-organised by Conservation International Cambodia, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Wild Earth Allies, Wonders of the Mekong, IBIS Rice, Sam Veasna Conservation Stays, WWF, NatureLife Cambodia, Fauna & Flora, WWT and IUCN, together with government institutions, private-sector partners, educational institutions, media organisations, youth groups and local communities.

Mr. Oum Sony, Country Director of Conservation International Cambodia and a representative of the organising committee, said the event provided a public platform for conservation stories and initiatives from different sectors, enabling citizens, particularly young people, to learn about and participate in protecting nature.

He emphasised the importance of communicating scientific knowledge in accessible ways, connecting partners, mobilising resources and promoting cooperation to help people and nature thrive together.

Young people are also contributing as volunteers, helping organise activities, assist participants and promote the campaign. Ms. Hak Socheata, a youth volunteer, said the experience had allowed her to learn from conservationists and better understand the connection between nature and everyday life.

She encouraged more young people to participate in conservation, noting that climate change and natural resource loss affected urban communities as well as rural areas. Even small actions, she said, could contribute to positive change.

First held in 2026, “Amazing Nature of Cambodia” seeks to raise public awareness and celebrate the country’s natural heritage through educational activities, hands-on learning and community participation.

The organisers have invited families, students, teachers, conservation practitioners, business representatives, journalists and the general public to attend the two-day event, meet exhibitors and community representatives, learn about conservation initiatives and discover practical ways to help protect nature at home and in their communities.

By C. Nika