Agroecology Gardens for the Future

Background

The lack of urban green spaces is a growing problem in Phnom Penh. While the World Health Organization recommends at least 9 square meters of green space per capita in cities, the Cambodian capital offers only 1.1 square meters. Yet these spaces are beneficial for the physical, mental, and social development of both children and adults. A 2016 study by the digital journal MDPI on young Cambodians’ perceptions of green spaces in Phnom Penh found that 67.3% of respondents consider green spaces a necessity and 94.43% want more green spaces in the city.

Expected impacts/results

The project was developed with four main objectives:

1.  Facilitating access to green spaces for approximately 8,000 students and staff members from four public high schools in Phnom Penh through the creation of an agroecological garden in each school;
2. Promote the establishment of agroecological gardens in other schools in urban areas through social media campaigns, public events, and the distribution of a handbook on agroecological gardens.
3. Raise awareness among students and teachers about nutrition and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases;
4. Enable students to acquire environmental management skills so that they can pass on their knowledge to their parents and other members of the community.

Beneficiaries

8,000 students and staff members from four public high schools in Phnom Penh