Ry Sochan  Khmer Times September 22, 2020

Veena Reddy, Mission Director of USAID Cambodia. KT/Pann Rachana

PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Environment and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a social and behaviour change communication campaign to protect forests and wildlife in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, as they are considered to be under threat.

USAID Cambodia Director Veena Reddy said at the event today that the campaign aims to promote environmental protection, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the active participation of Cambodian citizens to safeguard their resources.

“Together, we will start the work with the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and move on to other forested areas,” she said.

She added that the campaign will include the creation of social media platforms where the public can learn about the importance of forests, wildlife, and how to sustainably use natural resources.

“We hope to show that a fair and competitive space for the private sector can exist in an environmentally friendly way,” Veena said.

She said, “it is our hope that we will promote positive attitudes and actions toward sustainable and low [pollution] emissions development in Cambodia.”

“We want to encourage the youth of Cambodia to be actively involved in this campaign,” Veena said. “This is an opportunity for young Cambodians to learn about and appreciate their country’s nature, and to take ownership of a piece of their national natural heritage.”

Sao Sopheap, a Ministry of Environment secretary of state, said at the event that the campaign is augmenting the efforts of his ministry and USAID to achieve a meaningful change in attitude and promote positive actions towards forest protection and biodiversity conservation in the country.

He expressed a strong hope and belief that this campaign will help inform and educate both young and old Cambodians about the Prey Lang forested area and engage them in activities that will protect this “beautiful” environment.

“I noted that the campaign is currently running a video essay contest on Facebook which connects the youth with presenting messages regarding the beauty and importance of the Prey Lang forest landscape in Cambodia,” he said.

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50765554/promoting-the-protection-of-prey-lang-forests/

Source: Khmer Times, cambodia September 22, 2020

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