Volunteers Clean and Restock Rivers in Cambodia

People taking care of the environment is frequently a theme for Good Deeds Day events. And projects in Cambodia take this to a new level as more than 2,000 volunteers joined together on December 25, 2022, just before the new year, to help celebrate and protect the country’s rivers.

What is Good Deeds Day and why is it so important? Good Deeds Day, a peak event of year-round doing good activities, was initiated by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison in 2007. On this special day, millions of people take part in 109 countries across the globe. 

Taking care of others and the environment
While the events in December began with traditional music and fun characters,  it centered on the importance of helping others as well as stewarding the environment by cleaning up and restocking the country’s waterways.

The main project was a result of a partnership between the Phnom Penh municipality, the ministries of the environment, education and tourism, the red cross, youth groups, as well as thousands of volunteers  – young and old – who joined together to promote taking care of Cambodia’s rivers, according to GDD Cambodia

A massive cleanup removed over 2,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the Mekong River and its river bank. As part of the day’s events,  200 thousand fish fry were released into the river. This was part of a larger plan to release 16 million fish from December through April 16; the date of GDD in 2023 and a holiday in Cambodia, reported the Khmer Times.

The river was restocked with fish to help ensure food security; Nou Sovann, the executive director of River Ocean CLEANUP (ROC) told the Khmer Times. “The mission of Good Deeds Day is aimed at creating awareness on the need to contribute towards releasing fish into rivers, lakes ,and ponds to increase the fish population in Cambodia,” Sovann said.

Other events that day included planting trees, promoting upcycling to reduce waste, and distributing food packages to people in need.

Good Deeds Day 2023
The 2022 events were so successful, especially among youth, that the core activities will again be related to long-term impact through fish releases and river cleanups,  according to GDD Cambodia. In fact, one of this year’s partners is the ministry of education with 4.8 million students across the nation.

Over 2,000 volunteers are expected in Phnom Penh City with an additional 1,500 in other locations. A variety of events are being planned around the country so that there are choices for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on their community.

You too can participate in Good Deeds Day. Just check out some of the many good ideas on the GDD website and pick one that moves you.