Many youth groups will cycle 600km in four provinces to celebrate World Environment Day. Photo supplied
According to a joint press release, members of civil society organisations as well as youth groups are celebrating World Environment Day with two cycling events that will last for a total 25 days.
They stated that their events would be completed before the official date, which is June 5. They named their events 600km Cycle for the Environment and Lets Ride Bicycles Around Ta Mok Lake.
According to the statement, the celebrations will begin on May 10, and continue until June 3, with the theme Promoting Environmental Protection for Sustainable Natural Resources and Human Welfare.
The celebrations have three main goals. The celebrations are designed to raise awareness and encourage participation by youth in protecting the environment and natural resources. They also aim to combat climate change by increasing knowledge and awareness about the impacts of deforestation, the overuse of plastics, fuel, and the filling up of natural lakes.
To second, to urge government officials to implement policies that encourage people’s participation in protecting the environment.
Third, to encourage people’s exercise of their rights and freedoms, and to raise issues related climate change, natural resources, or environmental protection to decision-makers.
The press release stated that the World Environment Day celebrations will see youth groups and civil society in Cambodia host cycling events, social media campaigns, workshops, and other activities on May 29 in Phnom Penh.
Heng Kimhong is the research and advocacy programme manager at Cambodian Youth Network (CYN). He told The Post that 25 volunteers, including eight women from 15 civil society and youth organisations, would be participating in the 600km cycling event. They would start in Kampong Thom and travel through Preah Vihear and Kratie before returning to Kampong Thom. The ride was expected be 11 days long.
We will ride on public roads to get to our destination. He explained that this ride will take us on a long loop so that we can return to Kampong Thom.
He stated that these activities would increase environmental awareness.
We want to bring attention to environmental issues. He said that environmental issues are important, particularly the use of fuel and plastics, destruction of natural resources, and the effects of climate changes on the environment.
Thuon Srey Puv, a 20-year-old CYN member, said that the event was designed to promote environmental protection and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. She said that cycling tours are also good for your health.
It will be tough to ride 600km. But that is what makes it a great test of our dedication and willingness. She stated that we will persevere with our environmental goals, regardless of the difficulties we face.
National and World Environment Day were celebrated in Battambang on May 5, under the theme Caring for the Planet for Our Health. This was done to raise awareness about the environment, and promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable living.
The date was moved a month earlier because the Kingdom will be voting for the elections to the commune council on June 5.
