AKP Phnom Penh, March 21, 2025 --

Oxfam in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment organised a two-day youth camping event on Mar. 18-19, 2025, at Koh Han Island, Stung Treng province.

The event marked the International Day of Action for Rivers, Women and Water Day, and International Women’s Day, fostering stronger connections with rivers and inspiring collective action to protect the Mekong River.

The event brought together 60 participants, including government officials, youth groups, fishers, women leaders and local authorities. Activities included camping, roundtable discussions, and boat tour to the Mekong flooded forest.

The Mekong River play a vital role in agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity, while also holding immense cultural and historical significance for the Mekong Basin communities.

H.E. Ngin Lina, Secretary of State and Chair of the Gender Working Group at the Ministry of Environment, called the event a vital step in uniting communities and fostering sustainable environmental practices.

These practices align with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, which prioritises “People, Road, Water, Electricity, and Technology,” she continued, pointing out that the fifth angle emphasises sustainable socio-economic development and climate resilience, including promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

“Water is life,” she said. “The event's theme, ‘Our River, Our Future,’ reflects the vital role of healthy rivers in providing fresh water, supporting biodiversity, and preserving cultural heritage.”

She called for collective action to protect rivers and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

H.E. Kol Vathana, Deputy Secretary General of Cambodia National Mekong Committee, said that protecting the river needs collaboration among youth, communities, authorities, and policymakers amid the Lower Mekong Basin, upstream development and climate change are disrupting water levels, ecosystems, and agriculture, threatening communities in the lower Mekong basin.

“Together, we can secure the Mekong's future and sustain its ecosystems,” he said.

Participants explored the Ramsar-designated Mekong flooded forest, gaining firsthand insights into the environmental challenges facing this unique ecosystem and the urgent need for collaboration to preserve it.

Ms. Phean Sophoan, Oxfam National Director, said that the voices of indigenous women, person with disabilities and other vulnerable groups must be prioritised in shaping water resources policies that inclusively address diverse challenges and needs.

Oxfam through its Mekong Inclusion project, and in partnership with My Village Organisation and the Culture and Environment Preservation Association, to empower communities—particularly women—in managing and preserving their water resources.

By working with civil society organisations, government agencies, and inter-governmental bodies, Oxfam is strengthening water governance and enhancing community resilience to address human-induced and climate-related changes.

The event exemplified a shared commitment to a sustainable Mekong River, ensuring its vitality for future generations.

By Chea Vannak