The Apsara National Authority (ANA) will plant 110,000 trees in the Angkor area this year to improve the natural beauty of the region and provide environmental benefits.

Last year, 70,000 trees were grown for the project, according to ANA spokesman Long Kosal.

The trees will be taken from four different plantations – VIII Hectares, Takeo Temple, Mondol III and Balloon.

The type of trees will vary, from first, second and third-grade trees to ornamental and fruit trees.

“During the rainy season, when tourists come to visit Angkor, they will see the greenness of the trees, and during the dry season, our team will water the trees to make sure that they grow well.

“Trees are considered an integral part of maintaining and increasing the value of the Angkor World Heritage Site.

“They play an important role in collecting water, conservation, and supporting peoples’ livelihoods. They also decrease wind speed and cut down the damage done to the temple’s stones,” Kosal said.

ANA’s Department of Forestry, Cultural Landscapes and Environment will plant the trees this rainy season, he added.

The department’s technical director Ley Kimsy is in charge of the project. “If the Covid-19 situation gets better, we will host a major event,” he said.