Environment ministry secretary of state Mom Thany (right) marked International Women’s Day by leading a mangrove planting event in Kep province. Environment ministry
International Woman’s Day was marked by keen environmentalists in the Kep provincial capital, with 1,000 mangrove seedlings planted.
“Mangrove trees have intertwined roots, similar to a group of women,” said Ministry of Environment secretary of state Mom Thany, as she oversaw the planting ceremony.
“They always help each other, support one another, yet never compete with each other, coming together to protect the greater good of women and girls as they progress towards a brighter future and contribute to national economic development,” she added.
She explained that the event demonstrated solidarity and the value of women’s support for environmental and social causes, demonstrating a strength and resilience comparable to that of the mangrove trees themselves.
“The ministry chose to plant mangrove trees because their intertwined roots are like women who constantly help one another, united in safeguarding the greater good of women and girls, advancing forward to contribute to national economic development in line with the idea that women are the backbone of the national economy,” she said.
As president of the Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development at the ministry, she believed that the expansion of greenery through mangrove planting is a testament to the unity and values of women in environmental conservation, protecting and preserving natural resources, and sustainable development.
Kim Channy, deputy provincial governor, noted that the provincial administration has previously organised eight mangrove planting activities, with over 30,000 saplings planted.
She explained the many benefits mangrove trees provide to the environment, including coastal protection, providing a habitat for wildlife, supporting the ecology of coastal areas and aiding the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Around 5,000 mangrove seedlings were planted during last week’s “Mangrove Peace Tree Festival”, also organised by the environment ministry.
Cambodia is home to around 60,000 hectares of coastal mangrove forests.
Koh Kong province has the largest area of mangroves, at approximately 40,000 hectares, accounting for almost 80 per cent of the Kingdom’s total mangrove area.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has appealed for increased public participation in expanding green coverage for Cambodia and fostered the replanting and distribution of tree seedlings to restore forests across public spaces.
He encouraged turning these activities into regular habits, fostering a love and care for the green environment in Cambodia, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The environment ministry reported that since July 2024, it has produced over 1.5 million tree seedlings, including more than 920,000 palm trees.
