The tree planting aims to restore the natural green environment. Pursat provincial administration
Around 120,000 mixed-species trees are being planted in the Antung Ang area (better known as “Phnom 1500”) on over 200 hectares of land in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district. The effort, which began on May 2, aims to restore the natural green environment following the demolition of illegally-built homes, some occupied by residents who previously refused to relocate.
The tree planting marks the second phase of the reforestation project, carried out with technical and financial support from Australian gold-mining company Renaissance Minerals (Cambodia) Limited. The first phase saw 50,000 trees planted on 45 hectares in August 2024.
“We have now begun planting. The area is being completely transformed into a beautiful natural tourist site for Pursat province and for the people of the entire country,” said Pursat provincial governor Khoy Rida.
He emphasised that the tree planting is being done in an orderly and structured manner, in proper rows and spacing — not just randomly for the sake of appearances.
“If it weren’t done that way, it would be merely symbolic tree planting,” he added.
In addition, the species chosen to line the road were carefully considered. In the first row, species include peacock flowers (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), Apple blossoms (Cassia javanica) and Royal Yellow Flame trees (Peltophorum pterocarpum), planted at a distance of 10 metres from the main road.
The distance is meant to avoid future damage to the trees during road repairs. Replanting is also taking place on each of the cleared hilltops.
A total of 120,000 mixed-species trees are being planted on over 200 hectares of land in the Antung Ang area, also known as Phnom 1500. Pursat provincial administration
Approximately 98 households were previously living illegally in the Antung Ang area. Most residents agreed to relocate to a new site following government negotiations. However, 19 families in Anlong Reap commune’s Dey Krahom village refused to leave. Authorities began demolition of their homes on March 18 this year, after a deadline passed.
The governor confirmed that the demolition has been completed, and authorities have helped transport residents' belongings and provided construction materials.
“Whatever they lacked, we helped with. If they needed sand, stone, metal sheets or bricks — we delivered them. We’re currently assessing how many metal sheets were damaged and what sizes their houses were. I’ll buy materials to help them all,” he said.
“We're also supporting them with food supplies for one year. Everything is being done to fully support them as they move from the old site to the new one,” he added.
The relocation site covers over 150 hectares near the district capital of Veal Veng. Authorities have prepared infrastructure including paved roads, electricity and water supplies for the relocated residents.
“The new location is being developed into a proper residential area. We don’t want people to be disappointed with this process. At first, it may seem a bit transitional, but over time this place will gain real value, because I chose a site near the town centre. We’re not sending them to some remote, harsh area with no access to education or services,” the governor noted.
