At least 200 people joined the "Run for Environment, Nature, and Health" event in Mondulkiri province's Sen Monorom town on March 26. Sen Monorom is one of the towns that recently received an ASEAN Environmental Sustainability Cities award, according to Ministry of Environment spokesman Neth Pheaktra.

He said the event was part of the Earth Hour observations organised by the environment and tourism ministries, the Mondulkiri Provincial Administration, World Wide Fund for Nature Cambodia (WWF-Cambodia), and several private companies.

Pheaktra regarded the event as an occasion for lovers of nature and the environment – as well as those who care about their health – to come together and raise awareness of green issues while doing something positive for themselves.

“The Run for Environment, Nature, and Health shows the important relationship between humans and nature. Contact with the natural world is a great way for people to enjoy fresh air and a clean environment. Nature also provides nutritious food to human beings,” he added.

He said nature could survive without humans, but humans cannot live without nature. If nature was completely destroyed, the lives of human beings would be equally destroyed. Therefore, respecting nature means respecting humanity.

“When we respect nature, it will provide us with many benefits,” he said.

The run covers a distance of 5km. The first three runners will receive awards and prizes from the organisers.

Earth Hour will be observed on the night of March 26 in Sen Monorom town, with many people expected to participate. The crowd will be entertained by popular singers, and there will also be a performance by a local indigenous community.