The forum and competition is meant to provide opportunities for students in the provinces to learn more about environmental issues and share knowledge in their communities. Ministry of Environment
The Ministry of Environment is preparing for the 40th Youth Forum on Environmental Dialogue in Stung Treng Province under the banner of, “Natural Resource Management is the Duty of the Sub-National Administration”.
The forum and competition is meant to provide opportunities for students in the provinces to learn more about environmental issues and share knowledge in their communities.
Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra told The Post on Tuesday that it is the second year that the ministry has prepared the forum in the provinces to provide opportunities for all students to better understand environmental problems.
“This year’s forum is different from last year. The ministry is taking students on field trips to the wildlife sanctuary to learn about natural resources directly in the area,” Pheaktra said.
On Monday, another ministry secretary of state, Phay Bunchhoeun, guided officials, teachers and students on the forum.
Officials included Chuop Paris, the director-general of the General Department of Environmental Knowledge and Information at the ministry, and Stung Treng provincial governor Mom Saroeun.
Bunchhoeun said this year’s forum is more special than last year because participants can study the actual issues happening in their location. The focus is on the protection and conservation of natural resources, climate change and the development of local communities.
Paris said his department always prepares a talk about the environment in Phnom Penh to provide an opportunity to university students who show research capabilities.
He said the objective is to seek knowledge and new scientific experiences, and then share that knowledge with the general public to teach the importance of the environment.
“This forum also aims to work together with the government to protect and conserve the environment to ensure sustainable development,” Paris said.
Saroeun applauded the cooperation of the ministry and relevant partner organisations in organising the forum in Stung Treng province.
“Students need to pay attention, study, research and gain good experience to win the competition in the future,” the governor said.
Pheaktra said students from 16 schools will compete in this year’s forum.
The three-stage competition runs from early June to early October. He said the first phase is the introduction phase, the second is the mixed-phase while the third is the final round.
The topic of discussion for the whole forum is focused on forest management, natural resources, biodiversity and climate change issues around the four provinces in the Prey Lang area, he said.
Teams from each of the 16 schools have four students and a teacher for a total of 80. Eight schools will be selected for the finals.
The 16 schools include eight from Phnom Penh and eight from four provinces around the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary – Kampong Thom, Stung Treng, Kratie and Preah Vihear.
