Raise Awareness to Protect Wildlife in Cambodia

On January 31, 2015, following nine months of partnership and preparation, the  Kouprey Express Mobile Environmental Education Unit (KE) and Ambassador’s Youth Council (AYC) (a small group of young people that advises US Ambassador to Cambodia, William E. Todd, on issues concerning youth in Cambodia) completed the Wild for Life event in Phnom Penh. Held at the popular Night Market, it was the venue’s first ever educational concert, raising awareness on environmental preservation, wildlife trafficking, and the Wildlife Alliance wildlife crimes hotline. The event opened with a speech by US Ambassador Todd who spoke about the environmental issues plaguing Cambodia. Following the Ambassador’s speech were several acts by high profile performers including Laura Mom and Jimmy Kiss, comedian Sokea, shadow puppet performances from Sovanna Phum Arts Association, and more, all recruited by the KE and AYC. Additionally, KE did a presentation on wildlife species in Cambodia, the threats posed to them, and things people can do to help, including reporting crimes against wildlife to our 24-hour nationwide wildlife rescue hotline.

The event was incredibly well received and when asked what they thought, audience members said they loved the show and hoped that events like this would be held more often! There was also significant press coverage surrounding the concert which helped us promote the wildlife rescue hotline number on the radio, on TV, in print and on social media.

We would like to thank the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia for funding the event, as well as congratulate the AYC and Kouprey Express for doing such an excellent job promoting and hosting the Wild for Life concert! This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two groups, and we look forward to other exciting collaborations in the future.

In addition to this large event, in January and February, 40 teachers and community members received training, 422 students learned about conservation, wildlife protection and deforestation through classroom lessons and 160 students, community members, and teachers went on a field trip to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC). 3 educational signs were mounted at schools that displayed environmental protection messages, wildlife conservation tips, and the Wildlife Alliance hotline.

Links:

• Video of the Wild for Life Concert!