“If everyone takes action, our future will be bright”

Here’s my Interview with the South East Asia Weekly on  ” Youth Environmental Leadership”. The original article can be found at : http://thesoutheastasiaweekly.com/?p=471

Posted on admin on February 7, 2011 // Comments

Nara Sokhema pictured with certificate while attending the Youth Camp for Asian Future in South Korea in August 2009

Nara Sokhema, 19, is a third year student majoring in economics at The University of Cambodia (UC). She was also a recipient of the United States Institute for Student Leaders (SUSI) scholarship program in July 2010. SUSI is a study abroad program in the United States focused on environmental issues. After returning from the study program, she has committed to being a devoted activist for environmental conservation. She has volunteered, contributed, and shared what she has learned about building a greener society to other citizens.

Q: Why should people care about the environment?

A: The environment affects everyone’s life. If we pollute the environment, there will be changes in nature, such as climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem loss that will, in turn, harm the economy. It will affect the living standards of people and of society as a whole. Moreover, it will intensify natural disasters—such as floods, droughts, storms, and other disasters–that can claim human lives.

Q: What do you think about Cambodian people’s awareness of environmental issues?

A: Many Cambodian citizens know that the environment is important, but they have taken it for granted. They do not take much action in responding to the problems. Some people may think it is the responsibility of the government, or there are not enough environmental laws in place. A lack of proper incentives for and education focused on conservation are also major problems for environmental issues.

Q: How can an individual contribute to creating a greener society?

A: Actually, everyone can make a difference.First of all,

they should start increasing their knowledge about the environment. Once they are educated, they should spread their knowledge to other people. Simultaneously, they should take action. For instance, they should reduce their consumption of resources, recycle products, and support environmental-friendly products.

Q: Please share your favorite experience or activity related to the environment.

A: I like hiking and visiting ecotourism communities, especially Bokor and Cham Bork because, with that, I can interact with people and talk about environmental issues. Surfing the Internet and watching documentaries about environmental problems and solutions are also some of my favorite activities because I can gain a deeper understanding of the issues.

Recently, I created workshops and youth camps for high school students focused on these issues because I like to share my knowledge with the younger generation.

Q: What did you learn about the environment through the SUSI program?

A: From SUSI, I learned a lot about environmental issues in the United States. The program shared with students the terrible experiences people faced when they
focused on developing an economy without thinking about how to also protect the environment. They faced very many problems and learned much from these mistakes. They did not care very much, so that type of economic growth could not generate sustainable development.

Interestingly, they showed me how they have used environmental policies to help promote awareness and conservation efforts. There are two main types of policies, commandandcontrol and incentive-based procedures. Command-and-control means that if people over pollute or abuse the environmental policy, they will be punished. For incentive based, the government will provide benefits to their citizens or companies who are able to mitigate waste emissions and run environmental-friendly businesses. For example, they can receive tax reductions.

Q: What is the role of including environmental courses in school curricula?

A: Through education, the country will be able to build more responsible leaders. If young generations are more aware of environmental issues and conservation, they will become the next generation of environmental activists. When they become leaders, businessmen, or officers, they will run society in sustainable ways. They will efficiently manage resources. As I said before, if people change their consumption behaviors, there will be changes in the production processes, and that will result in more green factories appearing in society.

Q: What do you think about the future of environmental conditions in the country?

A: I have two different scenarios to share my vision.

If the country continues as it is today poor awareness and a lack of good policies–the country’s environment will be devastated. We will follow the footsteps of some western countries whose resources were depleted

In another scenario, the Cambodian environment can be preserved well if the government implements and establishes better policies.

Aswe can see, the government and non government organizations have discussed a lot of environmental issues lately. So if everyone takes action, our future will be bright.

In addition to being a UC student, Nara Sokhema currently volunteers at three organizations: Khmer Youth Social Development (KYSD), Initiatives of Change Association (ICA), and Help Our Homeland (HOH). She encourages other students to be actively involved in more social activities, especially doing more volunteer work so they can contribute to society. She said she believes that volunteer work will help students gain greater knowledge and valuable experiences that they cannot receive from studying inside a classroom. (SEAW)

BY CHRIN SAMVISAL