The Ministry of Environment and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 2 on a new collaborative initiative for sustainable maritime cooperation. The project is aimed at addressing climate change through the restoration of green ecosystems.
The signing ceremony, held at the ministry headquarters, formalised the joint initiative between the two sides. The Cambodian side was represented by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, while the Chinese side was represented by Vice Minister of Natural Resources Sun Shuxian, according to a ministry statement.
“This joint initiative between Cambodia and China, long-standing ironclad friends, will respond to climate change by restoring green ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental practices, including ocean clean-up efforts, capacity building and technology transfer,” said Shuxian, at the event.
He added that the collaboration aims to create meaningful, long-term benefits for the environment, communities, and future generations in both Cambodia and China, reflecting the close and enduring partnership between the two nations.
Sophalleth noted that environmental issues transcend borders. He emphasised that the agreement highlights the strong and growing relationship between Cambodia and China, built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future. The collaboration aims to protect oceans, manage natural resources sustainably and combat biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change.
On the same day, the ministry announced plans for a second regional “Tree Nursery” project, set to be launched soon in the Preah Jayavarman-Norodom National Park, commonly referred to as “Phnom Kulen”, in Siem Reap province.
The second nursery will cover an area of approximately 10 hectares, with the capacity to produce around three million saplings annually. The ministry explained that planning for the nursery was completed under the minister’s initiative, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2025.
On 30 November, the minister inspected the proposed site.
“The ministry is developing this regional nursery to expand green coverage through tree planting initiatives across the country, advancing Cambodia towards its goal of increased forest cover and becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050,” he said.
With its significant capacity, the new nursery is part of a broader plan to enhance forest cover, promote eco-tourism and boost community incomes in protected areas. The ministry is driving these efforts to improve natural resource management, conserve biodiversity and support local livelihoods while reducing climate change impacts and fostering a greener Cambodia.
Five regional tree nurseries are also being developed. The first nursery, spanning three hectares, was inaugurated in September in Tboung Khmum province. Additional nurseries include a 10-hectare facility in Siem Reap, a 20-hectare nursery in Kampong Speu, a 10-hectare nursery in Mondulkiri and a three-hectare nursery in Koh Kong.
As part of its “Clean, Green and Sustainable” environmental strategy, the ministry is establishing nurseries nationwide. In July, it distributed approximately 1.3 million saplings free of charge to the public through the “Green Shoots” exhibition.
In addition, communities in protected areas have established four nurseries, planting over 60,000 saplings and conducting reforestation activities within their respective regions.
