PHNOM PENH, August 16, 2024 — The Ministry of Environment is steadfast in its goal to expand Cambodia's forest cover to 60% by the year 2050, stated Chea Sam Ang, the ministry's Secretary of State.

He reiterated the commitment during the celebration of the 17th World Ranger Day on July 31, hosted this year in Kep province on August 15. He noted that protected areas already comprise about 40% of Cambodia’s total land area.

Chea Sam Ang expressed gratitude to the rangers for their relentless efforts in conserving natural resources, increasing vegetation, and rigorously enforcing laws against environmental crimes.

"Rangers are the essential frontline workers translating policy and strategy on conservation into tangible actions at the grassroots level," he explained, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of nurseries to distribute plants to the public under the "greenness" initiative of the Environmental Chakra Strategy.

Som Piseth, Governor of Kep province, also spoke at the event, lauding the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Environment to foster a clean, green, and sustainable province. He proudly referenced Kep’s recognition as an ASEAN environmentally sustainable city, a title awarded in Brunei and Indonesia among other locations.

Neth Vibol, representing the ministry’s partner organizations, pledged ongoing support for the sustainable protection and conservation of natural resources in alignment with the ministry's strategies.

The World Ranger Day celebrations in Kep included demonstrations of patrols, enforcement actions against environmental crimes, and a seedling planting session at Kep National Park.

Since its inception in 2015, World Ranger Day has been celebrated annually to honor the courage and dedication of forest rangers in protecting and conserving natural resources. The event sees wide participation from government institutions, international bodies, monks, students, local communities, and the private sector.

Cambodia's network of 73 protected areas spans over 7 million hectares, representing more than 40% of the national territory, managed by a dedicated team of 1,120 rangers, including 38 women.