Winners and finalists of a USAID-funded, crowd-sourced competition campaign to reduce the demand for luxury wood furniture were recognised yesterday by H.E. Dr. Say Samal, Minister of Environment and by Ms. Nancy J. Eslick, USAID/Cambodia Mission Director.
According to join press release AKP received yesterday, the youth-focused, environmental, social and behaviour change communication campaign initiative features multimedia content broadcast through online platforms to support young people as “Green Champions” to model successful behaviors and practices around the protection of Cambodia’s natural resources.
“The demand for luxury timber has increased significantly in both local and international markets, which contributes to deforestation and loss of particular tree species in Cambodia’s tropical forests,” said Ms. Nancy J. Eslick. “We hope that this youth-led competition will provide useful information and better options for Cambodian citizens, especially youth, to consider using non-luxury wood furniture products.”
The crowd-sourced competition – which ran from September to December 2021 – encouraged the development of creative and engaging materials that aimed for a “demand reduction of luxury wood furniture.” The selected materials will be used in public communication campaigns that will urge the public to consider eco-friendly furniture rather than items made from luxury wood.
“Changing behaviour and continuing to participate in the promotion of the value of natural resources to prevent the destruction of natural resources that start from each of us, especially youth, families and communities are essential factors in contributing to maintaining the natural resources and environment,” said H.E. Dr. Say Samal.
The award ceremony underscores the U.S. government’s commitment in collaboration with Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment to promote environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and positive actions from the public to conserve Cambodia’s rich natural heritage for the benefit of all citizens as well as future generations.
