ECODIT celebrated the successful completion of the USAID Cambodia Green Future Activity on July 5, 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This five-year activity worked with young people to promote social and behavior change in the environmental sector. The event included interactive booths, displaying the impacts of the activity’s social and behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns. The event’s guests learned about the role youth play in biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and correct disposal of waste.  Guests included representatives of USAID, relevant ministries, conservation partners, private sector, development partners, journalists, influencers, and youth leaders.  

The Activity used a SBCC approach and engaged with youth leaders, social media influencers, the Royal Government of Cambodia, civil society, the private sector, and others to move the needle on environmental issues. The Activity especially focused on youth and organized over 100 students into Green Groups that planned environmental outreach, reaching thousands through events and social media.

As a result, Cambodia has seen a significant change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward the environment. The Activity’s endline survey showed that 83% of youth now believe that biodiversity conservation, forest protection and sustainable natural resource management are important, compared to just 45% at the project’s start in 2020. The survey also showed that young people are now more than 2.5 times as likely to engage in frequent discussions with their friends about environmental issues, and nearly six times as likely to engage in discussions with family members about these issues.

Speaking to youth represented at the event, USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman noted, “This activity is going to end, but we know that your work will continue.  You are the key to a sustainable, green future for Cambodia.”

ECODIT is a U.S. women-owned small business with over 30 years of experience working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally and socially responsible development around the world. To learn more about ECODIT, visit www.ecodit.com and follow the firm’s social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.