Phnom Penh, November 23rd, 2024 – In conjunction with National Environmental Sanitation Day, HEINEKEN Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s environment by planting 3,000 mangrove trees at Phum Kep Community Fishery in Kep province, an initiative supported by Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and local authorities.

The planting of mangrove trees is part of an ongoing program to protect and restore vital mangrove forests along the Kingdom’s coastline, which aligns with HEINEKEN Cambodia’s long-term commitment to its “Brew a Better Cambodia” sustainability strategy which encompasses three focus areas – environmental, social and responsible.

The initiative is one of various activities to commemorate HEINEKEN Cambodia’s 30th anniversary in the Kingdom with the theme “Orkun for 30 Years”. The tree planting, which was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Kop Roly, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, Governor of Kep Province, and accompanied by delegates from the Ministry of Environment, Kep government officials, local villagers, and HEINEKEN Cambodia colleagues.

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Kop Roly, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Environment, I would like to express my gratitude to HEINEKEN Cambodia in supporting the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023 – 2028 in supporting cleanliness and environmental protection. This initiative will help the Royal Government of Cambodia to support the restoration and conservation of mangrove forests which, in turn, support ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity and ultimately is to protect and conserve our environment.”

Governor of Kep Province, His Excellency Dr. Som Piseth, said: “We are grateful that HEINEKEN Cambodia has chosen the province of Kep for this worthwhile initiative. Here at Phum Kep Community Fishery, we realise the importance of the mangrove ecosystem to maintain the health and well-being of our community and environment.”

Anne de Graaf, Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Cambodia said: “For 30 years HEINEKEN Cambodia has been committed to contributing to Cambodia’s sustainable growth and development - as part of our Brew a Better Cambodia initiatives. Our contribution today demonstrates our continued commitment to the environment as well as local communities such as Phum Kep Community Fishery. At HEINEKEN Cambodia we realise that we can only thrive if those around us do too, which is why we are here today.”

Mr. Rin Theara, Chief of Phum Kep Community Fishery said that “Protecting and restoring mangrove forests provides one of nature’s best defences against climate change, as the species contributes to absorbing carbon and reducing shoreline erosion by offering protection to coastal communities against coastal flooding, high winds and waves.”

Mangrove forests in Southern Cambodia are areas rich in biodiversity that many local families depend on for their livelihoods – for staple food, construction materials as well as ecotourism. Mangroves also play a critical role in preserving the health of our water systems, ensuring a cleaner and quality water flow – a cause aligned closely with HEINEKEN’s commitment toward healthy watersheds and nature.

This latest planting initiative contributes to HEINEKEN Cambodia’s ongoing Local Communities project, which has now planted and donated over 10,000 trees across five provinces and over 990 solar-powered streetlights to five communities to improve safety and security for residents and visitors.

HEINEKEN Cambodia’s environmental and “Brew a Better Cambodia” initiatives have been outlined in a recent socio-economic impact report, conducted by an impact measurement consultancy Steward Redqueen, commissioned to study the company’s contribution to local society and the Cambodian economy as part of the brewer’s 30th anniversary. The report, titled “HEINEKEN’s 2023 Socio-economic Contribution to the Kingdom of Cambodia” was presented to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet during a recent courtesy visit from a HEINEKEN delegation led by HEINEKEN’s Regional President for Asia Pacific, Mr Jacco van der Linden.

^{About HEINEKEN Cambodia}

^{HEINEKEN Cambodia is one of the leading brewers in the Kingdom, established in the country in 1994. Driven by its purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, the company creates great experiences for consumers and customers with a portfolio of high-quality local and international brands, including Heineken®, Tiger, ABC, Anchor and Gold Crown. With its national footprint and state-of-the-art brewery in Phnom Penh, the company employs about 700 people and supports 66,000* indirect jobs across its value chain. Committed to the sustainable development of Cambodia, HEINEKEN Cambodia aims to ‘’Brew a Better Cambodia’’ with a focus on the environment, social sustainability and responsible consumption on a path to a net zero, fairer and healthier world. HEINEKEN Cambodia is part of the HEINEKEN Company, the world’s most international brewer.}