On 23 October 2024, Heng Kimhong was invited to speak about the Cambodian Youth Network Association’s work to empower young people to protect natural resources and biodiversity conservation at the site event on Enhancing Cambodian Youth in Spiritual and Forest Protection. Kimhong presented how CYN works with young people in Cambodia to protect Prey Lang, Prey Preah Rokar, and Monk Forest Wildlife Sanctuaries— dialogue and advocacy for effective policy implantation and inclusive participation.

“Enhancing youth and providing opportunities for participation is a vital investment in adequate environmental and biodiversity protection worldwide. Young people should have the chance to engage in conservation efforts at both national levels—through protection, inclusive support, and national dialogue—and in cross-border collaborations. I hope COP-16 will advocate for establishing robust support systems for youth involvement in biodiversity conservation and assessing member states’ policy implementations. Additionally, increasing funding for youth initiatives should be a priority.

At the national level, the Cambodian government should be transparent about its policies and encourage young people to actively participate in protecting the environment and biodiversity. As a youth, we are part of the solution today and will become leaders in inclusive protection and conservation for humanity in the future,” Kimhong said.

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