Cambodia Plants 500 Saplings to Boost 'Clean and Green' Movement

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Wildlife Alliance (WA), planted 500 saplings in the Tumpor Village Natural Resource Protected Area on the morning of July 17, 2026. This initiative aims to promote a movement for cleanliness and greenness within the local community. Ms. DEMI MORJARIA, Head of Communications for the Wildlife Alliance (WA), stated that the tree planting activity demonstrates a joint commitment to protecting Cambodia's abundant natural resources. She expressed hope that through this tree planting initiative, students and community members will engage more actively in preserving their surrounding environment. Mr. UY SOTHEAVY, Deputy Governor of Pursat Province, emphasized the significant benefits of this tree planting in encouraging participation towards cleanliness and greenness within natural protected area communities. He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Environment and all involved parties for their role in promoting tree planting to expand forest cover, noting that Pursat Province is actively supporting and promoting cleanliness and greenness across all its localities. Mr. KHOV ATHITHIA, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, remarked that the cooperation and support from all stakeholders present today signify a clear understanding and acknowledgment of the importance of cleanliness and greenness, not only in public spaces and residences but also within communities and natural protected areas. He further elaborated that this support for tree planting embodies the collective physical and mental contributions of the environmental community and the general public. This effort is not only in line with the government's "Chakra Strategy for the Environment Sector" but also serves as a successful model for community development in Cambodia. He added that planting trees and reforestation are vital for absorbing greenhouse gases, establishing natural protective barriers, and mitigating climate change, ultimately positioning Cambodia as a carbon-neutral nation by 2050. Furthermore, the project is expected to benefit the ecosystem by creating green recreational zones and attracting tourists, thereby generating direct revenue for local communities. The program to disseminate and promote activities for cleanliness and greenness in local communities was organized in Pursat Province by the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with the Provincial Department of Environment, the Tumpor Village Natural Resource Protected Area Community, the Pursat Provincial Administration, the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wildlife Alliance (WA), and the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project Unit (CSLEP).