Minister of Environment Say Sam Al suggested that partners from universities organise debates on environmental topics to encourage and broaden the understanding as to why it is important to reduce plastic use.

The suggestion was made when he led discussions with students at Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC) at the Ministry of Environment on March 10.

“I ask all partners to please work together to protect the environment in your communities. You can do this by promoting debates at schools on topics related to environmental studies,” said Sam Al.

The minister encouraged students and partners to share ideas on cutting down plastic use, and publicising their collaborative ideas to encourage engagement from a wider audience.

Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra on Wednesday also encouraged students to organise debates, which he said could cover topics such as the importance of protecting animal ecosystems and the advantages of planting trees in the city.

“If these topics are discussed in the classroom, the discussion will spread elsewhere, even to TV programmes. He [Sam Al] supports research studies and debates by those who love the environment.

“The positive thing is, the end product of these various debates can be shown to the ministry and could result in funding grants for the best ideas to be put into action,” he said.

Srey Sunleang, a member of Youth Action for Green Environment (Yage) at PUC told The Post on Wednesday that it is studying potential strategies for cutting down plastic usage across all universities such as installing clean water systems so that students can bring refillable, environmentally sustainable water bottles.

“We plan to create a water dispenser so that students can reuse bottles and do not have to purchase plastic each time they want a drink. We are also looking at creating a debate forum, and will send our proposals to the ministry to aid us,” he added.