With the goal of expanding and rejuvenating Cambodia’s forests, Minister of the Environment Eang Sophalleth has called for all Provincial Departments of Environment to increase sapling cultivation to a minimum of 100,000 per year, for free distribution to the public.

The initiative has received substantial backing from environmental officials, as well as many of the ministry’s partners.

The objective is to enhance forest cover in protected natural areas, as well as all the Kingdom’s communities.

Battambang provincial environment department director Kot Boran reported on September 5 that his department has over 10,000 saplings in stock, having previously distributed more than 20,000 to members of the public including students, as well as members of the armed forces.

He added that the department is preparing more than 100,000 additional saplings for distribution to schools, communities and other units.

“I appreciate the environment minister’s efforts in promoting our nurseries.

“Our policy is clear – we will provide saplings for free upon request, although they must not be planted in private residences,” he said.

‘Ample community supply’

Heng Kimhong, programme manager at the Cambodian Youth Network, expressed support for the strategy, highlighting its importance in making it easier for people – especially the young – to participate in planting and restoring forest cover throughout the Kingdom.

“Cultivating more seedlings will ensure we have an ample supply of saplings to distribute among the community,” he said.

He suggested that environment departments encourage schools to establish their own nurseries.

The authorities could provide seeds, planting and cultivating instruction, and other support, perhaps with a particular emphasis on encouraging schools to plant more trees for shade and a greener environment for students.

During the September 3 meeting with the Koh Kong provincial environment department, Sophalleth recommended that officials not focus on planting trees themselves, but rather on educating community members on how to do so.

“The planting of trees helps communities ensure carbon neutrality and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Communities can also earn income for local development, and further develop community livelihoods through eco-tourism,” he said.