Cambodia Strengthens Climate Change and Natural Disaster Resilience Through Tree Planting Initiatives

Senior Advisor to the King, Men Sam An, emphasized that planting trees and protecting forests contribute to combating climate change, ensuring safety from natural disasters, and benefiting future generations. On September 20, 2026, at a ceremony held 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 and municipalities of the province, the Senior Advisor highlighted the importance of these activities. Men Sam An expressed gratitude to the Minister of Environment, On Sophat, for providing saplings for the planting event, and to the Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Chea Vutthy, for facilitating coordination with Mr. Sin Paokor, General Director of the Chhilo Special Economic Zone. She also thanked the provincial administration, leaders, and civil servants for their diligent cooperation with relevant departments, authorities, and local residents in organizing the ceremony. The Senior Advisor reiterated that planting trees and protecting forests are self-contributions that help combat climate change, ensure safety from natural disasters, and serve as hope for future generations. Furthermore, she stated that tree planting has become a movement to increase green cover in Svay Rieng Province and contributes to the national program for nature restoration and conservation. This aligns with national policies aimed at preserving and enhancing natural heritage sustainably, serving as a significant national initiative. Svay Rieng Provincial Governor Peng Pousa noted that the tree-planting activity demonstrated the joint commitment of both the state and private sectors to integrate economic, industrial, and investment development with environmental protection. He added that instead of choosing between the economy and the environment, economic development that does not harm the environment will drive sustainable development through investment. Source: AKP Khmer