(as prepared for delivery)

●     Your Excellency Sao Sopheap, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment

●     Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; the Ministry of Information; and the Ministry of Tourism

●     Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen

It is an honor to be here today for a topic that is important to all of us - the protection of the forest and wildlife in Prey Lang. Cambodia is a unique country blessed with an incredible range of flora and fauna. Its forests are an important asset for sustainable economic growth, cultural protection, nutrition, and natural medicines which benefit many local communities. Just as any important resource, they need to be sustainably managed.

This year we mark the 70^th anniversary US-Cambodia diplomatic relations and an appreciation for the importance of the environment is yet another tie that binds Cambodians and Americans. USAID has supported environmental conservation programs for more than a decade in Cambodia. Our program currently targets the two major biodiversity-significant landscapes of Prey Lang and the Eastern Plains. Our efforts have contributed to the protection of key critical endangered species in those landscapes. We work closely with communities, government ministries, local authorities, and NGOs to help protect Cambodia’s national heritage. But we need the general public’s help. The youth, the private sector, and commitments from all stakeholders are critical if we are to successfully protect Cambodia’s remaining forest, wildlife, and biodiversity. 

Today’s event was organized by our Cambodia Green Future project. The project aims to promote environmental protection, the sustainable use of natural resources, and the active participation of Cambodian citizens to protect the environment. We are proud of Green Future’s cooperation with the Ministry of Environment as well as other ministries to launch this social and behavior campaign for forest and wildlife protection.

Together, we will start the work with the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and move on to other forested areas. The campaign will include the creation of social media platforms where the public can learn about the importance of forests, wildlife, and how to sustainably use natural resources. We hope to show that a fair and competitive space for the private sector can exist in an environmentally friendly way. It is our hope that we will promote positive attitudes and actions toward sustainable and low emissions development in Cambodia. 

We want to encourage the youth of Cambodia to be actively involved in this campaign. This is an opportunity for young Cambodians to learn and appreciate their country’s nature and to take ownership in a piece of their national natural heritage.

Thank you!