Oxfam and Ministry of Environment Unite Youth for Mekong River Conservation

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Stung Treng, Cambodia_Oxfam in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment organized a two-day youth camping event on December 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.

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

In his opening remarks, H.E. Vathana Kol, Deputy Secretary General of Cambodia National Mekong Committee, said, “In the Lower Mekong Basin, upstream development and climate change are affecting water levels, ecosystems, and agriculture, threatening communities in the lower Mekong basin. Protecting the river needs collaboration among youth, communities, authorities, and policymakers. Together, we can secure the Mekong's future and sustain its ecosystems.”

H.E. Lina Ngin, 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 prioritizes “People, Road, Water, Electricity, and Technology.” The fifth angle emphasizes 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.

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. 

Youth participant Ms. Sokleap Heng said, “I was amazed to see the unique Mekong flooded forest and its cultural connection to local livelihoods. This event truly underscored the importance of safeguarding these ecosystems.”

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