Cambodia Marks World Cleanup Day, Emphasizing Citizen Participation in Environmental Protection

The 9th World Cleanup Day was celebrated in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, on September 18, 2026. The event saw the participation of 185 individuals, including civil servants, teachers, students, and representatives from the private sector, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement in waste reduction and environmental protection. Organized by the Provincial Department of Environment of Banteay Meanchey, in collaboration with the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports, and the administration of Serei Sophorn City, the event, themed "5% participation from citizens of each country," was held at Hun Sen Khlak Koun High School in Serei Sophorn City. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Yim Ly, Director of the Provincial Department of Environment of Banteay Meanchey, stated that the main objective of organizing World Cleanup Day is to enhance public awareness and promote citizen participation in maintaining a clean and green environment. He added that it also aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility in reducing waste and protecting the environment within communities. Mr. Ly emphasized that the issue of waste is not solely the responsibility of government institutions or waste collectors but requires the participation of every citizen. He noted that if each individual starts by maintaining cleanliness at home, school, workplace, and public places, these small contributions will collectively become a significant force for reducing waste problems in the community. He also highlighted the importance of student and youth participation, considering them a core force for changing attitudes and disseminating good habits related to environmental protection. He urged that the cleanup activities of the day should not end here but should continue as daily habits, such as not littering, sorting waste, reducing the use of disposable materials, and participating in the maintenance of public spaces. The organization of World Cleanup Day within the premises of Hun Hun Sen Khlak Koun High School also demonstrated the connection between education and practical application, implying that environmental knowledge should go hand-in-hand with the formation of good habits and practical activities among students. One participant expressed that participating in the day not only made the premises clean and orderly but also helped attendees understand that environmental preservation is the responsibility of everyone. Such collective actions, they believe, can help form good habits and encourage greater attention to waste management and disposal. Students who participated in the cleanup also expressed their happiness in joining a beneficial activity for their school and community. They stated that direct participation made them understand more clearly that maintaining a clean environment starts with their own small actions, and each student can become a disseminator of hygiene and environmental messages to their families and friends. Therefore, the 9th World Cleanup Day in Banteay Meanchey province was not merely an event for collecting waste and cleaning a location but an opportunity to strengthen understanding and build a spirit of participation among the public. The significant message conveyed through this activity is that environmental protection can begin with individuals, and the participation of many can create meaningful change for the community. Information Source: AKP Khmer