PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2024 — The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to organize a Seedling Promotion and Distribution Exhibition in July, in front of the ministry building, to encourage the public to engage in tree planting.
The exhibition, set to begin on July 10, 2024, under the theme "Green Sprouts," will feature a variety of seedlings displayed and distributed free of charge. Citizens are encouraged to cultivate these seedlings at home, schools, pagodas, and both public and private spaces, according to a recent news release from the ministry.
Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, stated that the event is part of the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the 7th legislature of the National Assembly, to implement the Environmental Strategy 2023-2028. This strategy emphasizes three key angles—clean, green, and sustainable—to address Cambodia's specific needs and global environmental trends. The focus is on the effective and sustainable protection, conservation, and preservation of biodiversity and natural resources in protected areas.
Dr. Sophalleth highlighted that the exhibition aims to contribute to Cambodia’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country and achieving 60 percent forest cover by 2050.
The minister also noted that the Ministry of Environment, through its provincial and municipal Departments of Environment, has already prepared over 1 million seedlings for distribution. Additionally, tens of thousands more will be available as part of the Cambodian Green Campaign, which targets the planting of at least 1 million seedlings starting in 2024.
Dr. Sophalleth urged the reforestation of degraded areas in protected regions and called on all leaders, civil servants, and park rangers to continue their efforts in implementing their roles and responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding cooperation with relevant partners—including ministries, sub-national administrative institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities—to ensure the successful implementation of environmental activities and strategies, particularly in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.
