The bustling streets of Phnom Penh will be shrouded in contemplative darkness as the sun sets on March 23, 2024.

But this will not be a power failure, rather a powerful statement as Cambodia joins the global Earth Hour movement – turning off lights to "give an hour for Earth". 

Earth Hour – a global movement calling for collective action against climate change and nature loss – is back in Cambodia, and this year it is focusing on the crucial connection between human choices and the health of our planet.

From its inception as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has evolved into a worldwide call to action against climate change and nature loss.

In Cambodia, the campaign has resonated deeply since 2010, particularly among young people, catalysing a decade of environmental consciousness and action.

With the theme "Harmonious between humans, food, sustainability, and nature nourishes our planet", Earth Hour Cambodia 2024, being held on March 23, aims to inspire Cambodians to embrace sustainable practices for a brighter future.

This year's campaign focuses on sustainable consumption and production, particularly in the food industry. 
It encourages a shift towards plant-based diets and environmentally friendly practices to reduce ecological footprints.

The key messages are designed to inspire collective action, emphasising the importance of protecting our shared home and nurturing the planet's natural resources.

The campaign also aims to raise funds to support conservation work in the Eastern Plains Landscape (EPL) and Mekong Flooded Forests (MFF).

The movement has reached more than six million people online and garnered over 8,000 physical participants over the past decade, with Cambodia a dedicated participant in Earth Hour since 2010. 

And this year, organisers in the Kingdom–the Ministry of Environment, WWF-Cambodia and youth groups–are aiming high, hoping to reach a massive five million people with their digital campaign and inspire at least 2,000 people to attend the physical event.

On March 16, a special meditation event will be held at the Koul Toteung Pagoda to foster a deeper connection between humans and nature, with some 500 participants expected from government ministries, NGOs, private sector volunteers and the general public.

The grand finale of Earth Hour Cambodia takes place on March 23 at Aeon Mall Phnom Penh. 

The all-day event will feature an environment and food fair showcasing community products made with sustainability in mind. Visitors can also enjoy live music, cultural performances and informative public forums.

Earth Hour Cambodia 2024 aims to demonstrate how small, collective actions can have a significant positive impact on the environment. 

By joining the digital campaign, attending events or simply making conscious consumer choices, every Cambodian can contribute to building a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

The Earth Hour campaign urges everyone to join the movement–whether  an individual, a government agency, a business or a youth group, there's an important role to play. 

Visit the Earth Hour Cambodia website: https://wwf-cambodia.exposure.co/67445c2fa8525c5bed71cd56ec205a87 or social media https://www.facebook.com/EarthHourKH pages to learn more about how you can contribute to a healthier planet.