Cambodia’s ecosystems—particularly the mangroves that shelter countless marine species—are under growing threat from pollution, unsustainable development, and climate change. Rising youth leaders are taking the lead in preserving the forests and wildlife in their coastal regions.
This morning, the courtyard of Chakryia Vong Secondary School was filled with new energy. Around 31 students, all about 18 years old, gathered for a lesson that was different—one that would spark commitment and change.
Photo: Chakryia Vong Secondary School is located in the coastal region of Kep.
Leading this outreach session was Mattrohet Tahir, Regional Projects Manager for Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA), already known for his grassroots efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems along the coast. Joining him were two of AEA’s passionate youth volunteers—Than Sothon, 21, and Nos Ziani, 23—who reinforced the session’s core message: marine conservation starts with education and is fuelled by action.
Ocean Action: From Mangroves to Marine Life
Sothon and Ziani stepped forward, proudly wearing AEA T-shirts featuring Cambodia’s endangered marine species—dugongs, sea turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and more. They distributed notebooks to the Grade 12 students with care.
Photo: The EU co-funded CO-SAVED project empowers youth to protect coastal ecosystems.
“It’s more than just a notebook,” Sothon said, holding one in his hands. “The cover shows marine life in danger.” The notebooks were not just educational tools; they were reminders of what’s worth saving—and of who will lead that effort.
The message was clear: the future of marine conservation lies in the hands of youth.
Photo: Nos Ziani distributes marine-themed notebooks, sharing the message of conservation with 18-year-old students.
For the students, it was a powerful moment—not only learning about mangroves, but also seeing peers just a few years older already deeply committed to protecting the natural world.
Sothon, student of Information Technology (IT) at the University of Kampot, has already planted thousands of mangroves at the Kampong Samaky community eco-resort. “I hope more youth will come to join me,” he said, smiling. “I volunteer two days a week and study at the weekends, but it’s worth it. I’m not too busy.”
Photo: Than Sothon wears a T-shirt featuring endangered marine species —a symbol of commitment.
Nos Ziani, a recent accounting graduate from the same university, shared his reasons for choosing to volunteer: “I want to support local communities. If we don’t step up, who will? I used to volunteer a few days a week, but now I’ve joined AEA full-time.” Ziani dreams of working in natural resource management, committed to the environment.
Generation Ocean: Young, Committed, and Coastal
Mattrohet is proud of youth volunteers. “They do everything with me!” he said. “They’ve helped build sustainable infrastructure in community eco-resorts, planted mangroves, supported local communities to lead their activities, and helped to organise outreach sessions. They help with everything—and I’m proud of their commitment to the community and the environment.”
Youth engagement starts with education and leads to action. Youth-led conservation is not the future—it’s happening now. Youth are our hope, leading the charge towards a greener future.
Photo: Give the power to preserve marine ecosystems to Cambodia’s youth through education.
