500 Saplings Planted in Cambodia's Toul Phoum Nature Reserve Community

At least 500 saplings were planted in the Toul Phoum Nature Reserve Community in Pramoy Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province. Speaking at the tree-planting ceremony held on July 17, 2026, H.E. Ouy Sotheavy, Deputy Governor of Pursat Provincial Administration, stated that the program is beneficial in promoting community participation for cleanliness and greenness in nature reserve communities. He thanked the Ministry of Environment and all stakeholders for their efforts in promoting tree planting activities to expand forest cover, noting that Pursat Province is committed to supporting cleanliness and greenness in all areas. Ms. DEMI MORJARIA, Head of Communications for the Wildlife Alliance, highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Environment to organize a program that promotes awareness and encourages the implementation of clean and green practices in local communities. She emphasized that the tree-planting activity in the Toul Phoum Nature Reserve Community will foster greater environmental responsibility among students, youth, local communities, and all participants. H.E. Khvay Aditya, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, stated that the participation, cooperation, and support from all stakeholders today demonstrate a clear understanding and recognition of the importance of cleanliness and greenness in public spaces, homes, communities, and natural reserves. He added that this support for tree planting signifies the physical and mental contributions of the environmental family and the public, aligning not only with the government's "Chakr" strategy for the environment but also serving as a successful model for community development in Cambodia. He further explained that tree planting and forest restoration play a crucial role in absorbing greenhouse gases, creating natural protective shields, combating climate change, and transforming Cambodia into a carbon-neutral country by 2050. Moreover, the project is expected to benefit the ecosystem, create green recreational areas, and attract tourism, thereby generating direct income for local communities. The program to promote clean and green activities in local communities was organized in Pursat Province by the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Pursat Provincial Department of Environment and the Toul Phoum Nature Reserve Community. It was supported by the Pursat Provincial Administration, the Phnom Samkos Mountain Red Book, the Wildlife Alliance, and the "Cambodia Landscape and Nature Tourism Sustainability Project" (CSLEP). By Makara