First “Amazing Nature of Cambodia” Event Brings Forests, Rivers and Wetlands to Phnom Penh Shoppers
Cambodia’s first “Amazing Nature of Cambodia” event filled Aeon Hall at AEON Mall Sen Sok City on 24–25 October, inviting Phnom Penh families and young people to explore the country’s forests, rivers, wetlands and coasts.
អត្ថបទនេះមិនទាន់មានជាភាសាខ្មែរនៅឡើយទេ។ អ្នកកំពុងអានអត្ថបទដើមជាភាសាអង់គ្លេស។
Cambodia’s natural heritage moved indoors and into the heart of the capital this weekend, as the first “Amazing Nature of Cambodia” event opened its doors at Aeon Hall on the third floor of AEON Mall Sen Sok City in Phnom Penh. Running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, the free public event was held under the theme “Appreciating the Value of Nature” and brought together officials, conservationists, community producers and young volunteers.
Key points
- The two-day event ran on 24 and 25 October 2026 at Aeon Hall, AEON Mall Sen Sok City, in Phnom Penh, under the theme “Appreciating the Value of Nature”.
- It was the first edition of the event, backed by the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Information and Tourism.
- Conservation International Cambodia, WCS, WWF, Fauna & Flora, IUCN and other groups co-organised it with community, business and youth partners.
- Exhibits showcased Cambodia’s forests, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems and their role in water, food, livelihoods and tourism.
The programme was designed to make conservation feel close to home for city dwellers. Displays introduced visitors to the Kingdom’s forests, rivers, wetlands and coastal ecosystems, explaining how they supply clean water and food, sustain rural livelihoods, shape cultural identity and underpin the tourism that supports the national economy. Visitors could also meet representatives of local communities, learn about the products they make, and see how responsible production and consumption help to protect natural resources. A panel discussion on the opening day looked at responsible communication and social media, public participation, and the protection of wildlife and endangered species.
A broad partnership for nature
The event was supported by four ministries — Environment; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Information; and Tourism — and co-organised by a wide group of conservation organisations, including Conservation International Cambodia, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wild Earth Allies, Wonders of the Mekong, IBIS Rice, Sam Veasna Conservation Stays, WWF, NatureLife Cambodia, Fauna & Flora, WWT and IUCN. Private companies, schools and universities, media outlets, youth groups and local communities also took part, with young volunteers helping to run activities and guide visitors.
H.E. Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, said the event carried environmental education to urban residents and young people who seldom experience nature first-hand. H.E. Khvay Atitya linked it to the ministry’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028, which relies on strategic communication to change behaviour and includes efforts to cut plastic use, promote a clean culture in schools with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, run the Green Sprouts campaign and plant at least one million trees each year. Describing the event, H.E. Khvay Atitya called it “a vital platform for sharing knowledge and nurturing a deep love for the environment”.
H.E. Ung Samath, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the initiative supports the National Policy on Agricultural Development 2022–2030, while H.E. Tep Asnarith, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Information, highlighted the importance of accurate, verified and ethical communication when sharing information about the environment. Mr. Oum Sony, Country Director of Conservation International Cambodia, spoke on behalf of the organising committee.
Why it matters
Cambodia’s landscapes, from the mountains of the southwest to the Mekong and the coast, are among its greatest assets for ecotourism and for the communities that depend on them. By staging a nature showcase in one of the capital’s busiest shopping centres, organisers aimed to reach families, students and teachers who might never visit a protected area, and to turn appreciation into everyday action. As a first edition with backing from government, conservation groups and business alike, the event lays a promising foundation for a recurring celebration of the Kingdom’s natural wealth.
Sources: Agence Kampuchea Presse, Cambodianess (Xinhua).
Frequently asked questions
What is Amazing Nature of Cambodia?
It is a public event celebrating Cambodia’s natural heritage through exhibits, hands-on learning, community product displays and a panel discussion. The first edition was held in Phnom Penh in October 2026.
When and where was the event held?
It took place on 24 and 25 October 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Aeon Hall on the third floor of AEON Mall Sen Sok City in Phnom Penh.
Who organised the event?
It was supported by the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Information and Tourism and co-organised by conservation groups including Conservation International Cambodia, WCS, WWF, Fauna & Flora and IUCN, with business, education, media and youth partners.
