Agroecology Gardens for the Future
The lack of urban green space is a growing problem in Phnom Penh. While the World Health Organisation recommends at least 9 square metres of green space per capita in cities, the Cambodian capital has only 1.1 square metres. Yet these are beneficial for the physical, mental and social development of children and adults alike. A 2016 study by the digital magazine MDPI on Cambodian youth perceptions of green spaces in Phnom Penh, indicates that 67.3% of respondents consider green spaces a necessity and 94.43% demand more green spaces in the city.
Our action
The Agroecology Gardens for the Future project contributes to providing a greener environment and raising awareness of public health among high∙ne∙s in urban areas. The project was developed with 4 main objectives:
- To facilitate access to green spaces for approximately 8,000 students∙e∙s and staff members of 4 public high schools in Phnom Penh through the creation of an agroecological garden in each school ;
- Promote the installation of agroecological gardens in other schools in urban areas, through campaigns on social networks, public events and distribution of a manual on agroecological gardens ;
- Raise awareness among students∙e∙s and teachers∙e∙s on nutrition and prevention of non-communicable diseases;
- To enable students∙e∙s to acquire environmental management skills so that they can pass on their knowledge to their parents and other community members.
Summary :
Location: Phnom Penh
Project duration: April 2022-March 2024
Budget: $147,000
Funding partners: Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund, US-ASEAN Smart Cities Programme
Operational partners: Louvain Cooperation, Royal University of Agriculture of Cambodia (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences)
Beneficiaries: 8,000 students∙e∙s and staff from 4 public high schools in Phnom Penh