In July 2024, Gender and Development for Cambodia, in partnership with RECOFTC, organized World Nature Conservation Day under the theme “Connect Diverse Girls and Women in Protecting Natural Resource” at Koh Tonlea Kras Community Protected Area in Thkol Thum Village, Ansa Chambak Commune, Krakor District, Pursat Province, and the Reang Khvav CPA in Kaset Borey Village, Santreae Commune, Phnom Kravanh District, Pursat Province.

This World Nature Conservation Day aimed to raise awareness among community members about the importance of including diverse women and girls in natural resource protection, increasing knowledge about gender-based violence, and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in the environmental context.

The event was attended by approximately 250 people from both communities, around 140 women (5 girls, 5 boys and 1 person with disability). As a result, participants including girls, women, citizens, authorities, and community committee members, understood and recognized the roles and values of including diverse girls and women in natural resource protection.

In addition, local authorities have increasing attention to the protection of natural resources and addressing gender-based violence in the community. Ms. Chhim Chansey, commune authority representative in Ansa Chambak commune, stated, “This campaign is not only about protecting the environment, but also about the inclusion of women and girls in protecting the environment and includes an understanding of the problem of domestic violence. In 2024-2025, Ansa Chambak commune is committed to increase gender responsive budget to work on security, GBV and natural resource protection”.