Oxfam and Ministry of Environment Unite Youth for Mekong River Conservation

Oxfam in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment organized a two-day youth camping event on March 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 discussion, and a boat tour to the Mekong flooded forest. The Mekong River plays 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, 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 Gender Working Group, 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.”

Mr. Emvayu Keat, another youth participant, said, “It was an immense honor to represent The ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) Cambodia at such an important event. This project has not only deepened my knowledge of environmental issues but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and community engagement in building a more sustainable future. I’m grateful for the connections made and the lessons learned during this experience. A heartfelt thank you to all those involved for organizing such a valuable, impactful, and transformative event. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey towards a more sustainable future.”

Through Oxfam’s Mekong Inclusion project and in partnership with My Village Organization and the Culture and Environment Preservation Association, is empowering communities, particularly women, to manage and preserve their water resources. By collaborating with civil society organizations, government agencies, and inter-governmental bodies, Oxfam is bolstering water governance and strengthening community resilience against human-induced and climate-related changes.

This event highlighted a collective dedication to a sustainable Mekong River, ensuring its vitality for future generations.