The environment ministry broke ground on a regional tree nursey in Preah Theat commune of Tbong Khmum province’s O’Reang-ou district on September 8. Environment ministry
The Ministry of Environment is conducting a study on Cambodia's current forest canopy to facilitate successful tree planting and expansion, aiming to increase the country’s green cover to 60 per cent over the next 25 years.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth highlighted the effort during the groundbreaking ceremony for the first regional tree nursery in Tbong Khmum province on Sunday, September 8.
The minister mentioned that to reach the government's goal, the country would need to plant enough trees to cover around 11 million hectares, out of the country's total 18 million hectares of land. He noted this requires millions of saplings, with nurseries being essential to start the process.
"We have a plan, supported by UNDP, to produce between 10 and 15 million saplings annually. However, I am not sure if it is enough or not. I am studying the exact percentage of forest cover we have now and how much we need to expand per year to achieve [the goal] before the 2050 target set by the government," he said.
The first tree nursery, located in Preah Theat commune of Tbong Khmum’s O’Reang-ou district has the capacity to produce over 1 million saplings annually on more than three hectares of land. The nursery is supported by funding from UNDP and Coca-Cola Cambodia.
Sophalleth said that it is one of five nurseries planned by the ministry, with others to be established in Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong and Siem Reap provinces.
“We are not using ministry or state funds; we are being supported to ensure the environment ministry’s activities are successful, aligning with the government's policies," he added.
He also noted that the Kampong Speu nursery might cover 200 to 300 hectares and supply trees to Phnom Penh and other provinces to promote greener, cleaner environments.
"The tree nurseries contribute to reforestation efforts to mitigate climate change, ensuring Cambodia becomes greener. Reforestation is an investment in climate action and promotes carbon sequestration," added Sophalleth.
UNDP Cambodia resident representative Alissar Chaker said at the event that the joint initiative accelerates ongoing efforts under the National Reforestation Strategy, which aims to plant one million trees, as well as the recommendations of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and carbon neutrality targets.
She added that the UNDP has supported the government and the ministry in developing these key policies and frameworks for implementing the national climate agenda and continues to contribute to the country’s ambitious carbon mitigation goals.
She added that support for the country’s agenda was made possible through the long-standing Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA) programme, funded by the EU, UNDP and Sweden, which has delivered considerable results over the past 15 years for a sustainable future.
“Forests have great social, ecological and economic values. Reforestation and forest restoration are central to the climate agenda. Carbon sequestration reduces carbon emissions and mitigates climate change,” she said, adding that forests also improve water quality and filter out air pollutants.
According to Chaker, they serve as vital havens for biodiversity with a multitude of flora and fauna depending on them for nutrients, shelter and water which offer a valuable source of food and materials for rural populations.
She said that in addition to camping, fishing, hiking and meditation, forests also provide us with opportunities to connect with nature, and improve our well-being and spirituality. Therefore, she added, they are important assets for developing eco-tourism and diversifying income.
Chaker noted that by the end of the year, four other provinces will follow suit. She added that the ongoing work includes assessing suitable sites for tree nurseries, preparing master plans and designing nurseries with sustainability features, such as solar panels for electricity and water supply systems.
Sophalleth urged citizens to participate in planting more trees, caring for them and refraining from cutting them down, to provide shade and fresh air for everyone.
