Cambodia Promotes Tree Planting for Climate Resilience and Economic Development

Senior Advisor to the King, Samdech Kittisangharabundit Men Sam An, presided over a tree-planting ceremony at the Chhilo Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng city, Svay Rieng province, where 2,200 saplings were planted and 16,000 saplings were distributed to the eight districts of the province. She stated, "Planting trees and protecting forests is self-help that can help resist climate change and ensure safety from natural disasters, becoming a hope for future generations." According to a report by Mr. Peng Porsal, Governor of the Provincial Administration of Svay Rieng, the tree-planting activity on this day demonstrates the joint commitment of both the state and private sectors in linking economic development, industry, and investment with environmental protection. The governor further stated that we cannot choose between the economy and the environment, but rather we must allow the economy to flourish without harming the environment, and make investment a driver of sustainable development. Samdech Kittisangharabundit conveyed greetings and concerns from Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the King's Supreme Advisory Council, President of the Senate, and President of the Cambodian People's Party; Samdech Kittipreah Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross; and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister, and Dr. Pheach Chandara Hun Manet, expressing their deep affection and care for the well-being of citizens nationwide. Samdech Kittisangharabundit also expressed gratitude to Mr. Ing Borin, Minister of Environment, for providing saplings for planting today. She also thanked Mr. Chea Vutth, Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, for facilitating coordination with Mr. Shin Bao Geor, General Director of Chhilo Special Economic Zone. Furthermore, she commended the provincial administration, leaders, and all civil servants for their dedication and cooperation with relevant units, authorities, and local citizens in organizing this tree-planting ceremony. Samdech Kittisangharabundit added that "Planting trees and protecting forests is self-help that can help resist climate change and ensure safety from natural disasters, becoming a hope for future generations." Concurrently, tree planting has become a movement to increase green cover in Svay Rieng province and contributes to promoting an excellent culture, a significant national movement within the program to restore and conserve nature, in line with national policies aimed at sustainably conserving and promoting natural resources.