Mother Nature Cambodia (MNC) is an environmental rights movement that advocates and campaigns locally and internationally for the preservation, promotion and protection of Cambodia's natural environment. As part of its work, the movement monitors and challenges gross environmental violations and also raises awareness, educates and empowers people by providing them with training and financial support. In addition, Mother Nature Cambodia also provides opportunities for environmental and human rights defenders and supports local fishermen and indigenous communities defend their rights.
In June 2021, MNC members Sun Ratha, Ly Chandaravuth, and Seth Chhivlimengwere arrested in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district after they filmed sewage in the river near Royal Palace. A fourth environmental activist, Yim Leanghy, was arrested in Kandal province after being asked to visit his local police station.
In September 2020, three environmental activists, Thun Ratha, Long Kunthea and Phoun Keo Reaksmey, all of whom are also members of Mother Nature, were arrested in Phnom Penh for planning to organize a one-woman march from Wat Phnom to the Prime Minister Hun Sen’s residence to highlight concerns over the filling-in of Boeung Tamok. They were convicted in May and are serving between 18 to 20 months in prison.
