Green Oasis, a community tree-planting initiative co-organized by OCIC Group, celebrates its first anniversary this Earth Day, April 22. Marking the occasion, professionals, NGOs, students and residents gathered at a new park in central Koh Pich — set to open later this year — for a community planting event. A monk blessing ceremony added a moment of reflection, honoring the cultural spirit of the space.

The one-hectare park will feature traditional Khmer-inspired design, a dedicated event space, a playground and F&B and retail shops. To further engage the community, Koh Pich is launching an online campaign this week on Facebook and Instagram, inviting the public to suggest a name for the new park. This initiative encourages everyone to take part in shaping a meaningful space that reflects shared values and local identity.

In addition to the trees planted during the event, over 1,000 trees will be planted across Koh Pich as part of the broader Green Oasis effort. Over the past year, more than 15,000 trees have been planted across OCIC neighborhoods and projects, including Chroy Changvar Satellite City, Norea City, Tourism City and Techo International Airport.

The event brought together a wide range of participants, including De Montfort University Cambodia, Toutes à l'École, Enfants d’Asie, Kampuchea Sela Handicap, Rabbit School, AmCham, EuroCham and ItaCham. Support also came from local institutions and businesses such as KMH Foundation (ISI Group), Canadia Bank, Suon Ouksahakam Cana City Investment, CamTech University, Canadian International School of Phnom Penh, École Française Internationale de Phnom Penh, Intercare Hospital, Golden Daun Keo Rice Mill, Hi-Tech Drinking Water, DARA Insurance, Miss Cosmo Cambodia, Sovannaphum Life Assurance, Mr. Dad Coffee, Chao Mao, La Seine Heng Heng, Little Caesars, TUBE Coffee and more.

The initiative introduced the Miyawaki method, a Japanese approach to urban tree planting using dense, layered plantings of native trees. Applied at the new park, this method helps create self-sustaining greenery and offers long-term resilience in compact spaces.

“We’ve seen firsthand how projects like this can engage students and deepen their awareness of how greenery shapes the spaces we live in,” said Munny, a student at CamTech University. “The Miyawaki method not only emphasises native species and layered planting, but also inspires students to take part in creating greener, more sustainable cities.”

“Green Oasis is rooted in the idea that sustainable cities start with community initiatives. By engaging everyone, we’re building a long-term commitment to greener urban life and we are ready to continually expand our efforts,” said Eva Berlinson, OCIC Representative and Green Oasis member.

As Koh Pich grows into a central business district along the Mekong and Bassac rivers, the need for accessible green space continues to rise. This new park will add to the district’s green offerings alongside Coconut Park, Treellion Park, River Garden and Elysée Garden — places designed for people to gather, unwind and reconnect with nature.

Looking ahead, Green Oasis will continue to promote green public spaces as inclusive community assets. The trees planted during this celebration will grow alongside Koh Pich’s evolving cityscape — serving as living reminders of shared participation.