Education and action came together to create positive change on Kep’s shores during the Sea Festival from 13 to 15 December 2024. Among many activities, Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA) empowered young minds to take bold steps for the environment by supporting a beach clean-up with enthusiastic children from Sbov Primary School.
This year, AEA celebrated Cambodia’s maritime heritage, the beauty of its coastal ecosystems, and the resilience of local communities. We focused on promoting eco-tourism, sustainable aquaculture, and youth-led initiatives across coastal provinces. Among the range of activities, the beach clean-up in Kep stood out as a shining example of a hands-on learning experience for students from local schools.
“I come to clean the environment along the beach,” said Bun Visith, an 11-year-old boy. “We need to clean plastic pollution because it is harmful to marine life.” His schoolmate, Hay Sodaneth, shared her insights: “Fish eat plastic, and it’s bad for their health! We need to save marine life so they live healthily in the sea.” These young eco-warriors not only understood the problem but also embraced their roles as part of the solution.
This learning experience was aligned with “Clean Cambodia! Khmer Can Do!” campaign, a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment to encourage regular community clean-ups, improve public health, and promote sustainable development. Students gained practical knowledge about the sources of marine pollution and its devastating impact on ecosystems. Engaging in outdoor education helped them develop a deeper sense of responsibility as protectors of the sea, forests, and wildlife.
Waves of Change: Children’s Impact
Armed with gloves, bags, and a strong determination to combat pollution, the children collected plastic waste, single-use packaging, and other debris scattered along the beach. Each piece of trash they removed represented a victory for marine life and coastal habitats. The clean-up not only directly contributed to preserving the natural world but also empowered young minds to take an active role in protecting their surroundings.
By the end of the activity, the children’s efforts had transformed a polluted beach into a cleaner, safer, and more inviting space. A clean beach isn’t just an environmental triumph – it’s an economic asset. Cambodia’s coastal communities rely on fishing and tourism for their livelihoods. Healthier beaches attract more visitors, boost local businesses through eco-tourism, and create a ripple effect of economic benefits.
Importantly, the beach clean-up showcased the power of collective action. It inspired the children to understand how their community efforts could drive meaningful change. The activity encouraged teamwork, a sense of responsibility, and accomplishment as children could see the tangible results of their efforts.
Plastic-Free Dreams: The Path Forward
Empowering children to take an active role in environmental protection is about more than addressing immediate challenges; it’s about planting the seeds for a lasting commitment to sustainable practices. By involving children in such initiatives, AEA is nurturing a generation that understands the vital connection between environmental health and economic prosperity.
These young changemakers are future leaders who will carry forward a vision of sustainable development that benefits both people and nature. The beach clean-up during the Sea Festival may have been a small step, but it was significant to foster greater environmental awareness among Cambodia’s youth.
Together, we can create a future where clean beaches, thriving ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods go hand in hand. Let’s continue to empower Cambodia’s youth to lead the way, proving that even the smallest actions can spark transformative impacts for generations to come.
