Cambodia's National Youth Congress called on the government yesterday to act to protect the country’s natural resources from illegal traders.

About 100 young people from 30 colleges in Phnom Penh, Kratie and Kampong Thom Chhnang provinces attended a discussion about protecting natural resources – with a particular focus on forests – held at Phanha Cheat College in the capital yesterday.

Heng Sokunthea, coordinator of KYSD organisation, said members of the youth seminar had supported the government in its efforts to crack down on forestry crime and dismiss officials who had conspired with illegal loggers, but wanted a stronger commitment. “We will send all of their petitions to the head of government,” she said.

Tap Sreymom, a Royal University of Agriculture student, said illegal logging remained a concern for young people.

“Every day, there are many reports on illegal logging and smuggling, so the authorities must make an effort to crack down on it,” she said. “We are very concerned about this issue and call for the government to stop this activity.”

Sun Lapheaktra, a student at the National University of Management, said youths needed to join together to protect Cambodia’s natural resources. “Protection is not only the duty of the government or the elders, it also our youth’s duty,” he said.