Meet the youth forest guardians in Cambodia

Ratanak

I enjoy walking in the forest. I join community members on patrols and as part of my role as a youth representative, I take responsibility for reporting. I hope that being part of the project will enhance my capacity to support my community in protecting our forest and wildlife, as they are treasures that hold both economic and environmental values for us.

Bora R.

I joined the project because I want to develop my skills in persuading others to help protect forests and wildlife. Some people believe that working with communities is not beneficial and would rather spend time on other jobs. I want to prove that protecting forests brings real value not only for us today but also for future generations.

Bora M.

I relish gaining new knowledge and experience to strengthen my capacity, so I can give back and support my community in achieving sustainability and improving the livelihoods of its members.

Channa

I feel deeply connected to nature, which is why I actively participate in forest protection—it provides me with essential benefits that I depend on. I support the community credit scheme, assist with reporting and take part in community development activities.

Channy

I like contributing to the common good by protecting and conserving natural resources and ensuring that forest land is preserved for future generations. I enjoy planting trees and watching them grow.

Hok

As a Kuoy youth, I grew up surrounded by greenery, which inspired my love for natural resources. I regularly participate in forest patrols and engage in traditional occupations of Indigenous Peoples.

Ramo

I am passionate about social work, with a strong focus on forest protection and preserving Indigenous culture. My aspiration is to become a professional photographer, using visual storytelling to highlight the beauty and potential of community areas in Cambodia. I also enjoy working with youth, sharing experiences on safeguarding natural resources, and encouraging active participation in forest conservation.

Pisey S.

I would love to learn more about carbon and digital technologies to support and promote my community. I see youth engagement in communities as a crucial part as we bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to community development. We are the generation to continue what our community has built and ensure its progress.

Lisa

I would like to gain more knowledge about the hospitality industry and tree restoration to improve my community’s eco-tourism. To me, the project is an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will support my community, especially in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our forests and wildlife.

Pheawin

Through various projects, I have developed skills in mediating community conflicts and writing funding proposals for donors on topics such as gender equality, education accessibility and human rights. I have also taken part in campaigns, sharing my experiences and learning from fellow participants.

Dara

My passion for nature drives me to explore forests and mountains, capturing their beauty through photography. I want to become a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and wildlife, particularly birds. I have strong leadership skills and am able to engage and mobilize youth in my community to participate in conservation initiatives.

Pisey L.

I value the connection between my simple life and nature, which gives me a sense of calm and peace. I enjoy sharing legal knowledge on the protection of natural resources such as land, forest and the environment, as well as my skills in data collection, analysis, and facilitation.

Vichet

I would love to become an active agent contributing to forest conservation and supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts - this project perfectly aligns with my goals. I would also like to share my knowledge to help the communities that we work with thrive.

Kunthorng

I enjoy being in nature, especially forests, which provide essential benefits to humans and animals on our planet. This project can help me develop communication skills to engage with people from diverse backgrounds while giving me the chance to share my experience and learn from them.

Synet

I love nature for its beauty, experienced through its colors, freshness, scents and tastes, as well as its remarkable ability to adapt. Nature also provides countless benefits to all life on Earth.

Sreyneth

The more I learn about biodiversity, the more I understand its many benefits. I want to strengthen community relationships, deepen knowledge about biodiversity and create joint action plans to achieve shared goals.

Vichea

I have always valued natural resources and their benefits, which inspired me to pursue forestry. My goal is to understand their true importance, stay connected to nature, and contribute to global sustainability. I aim to share my skills and interests by promoting the benefits of forests, highlighting the value of biodiversity, and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change.