The Ministry of Environment has prepared over one million palm seedlings to be distributed to the public for planting in communities and along the borders with neighbouring countries in 2025, with more than 20,000 planted along the Cambodia-Vietnam border in Tbong Khmum province since July.

The initiative is part of the Ponlok Baitong (green shoots) campaign, which aims to increase forest cover and help the country achieve its vision of increasing forest coverage to 60 per cent and making Cambodia a carbon-neutral country by 2050, according to the ministry.

“His Excellency the minister [Eang Sophalleth] has encouraged the implementation of the Ponlok Baitong campaign by aiming to plant an additional three million trees next year. In 2024, through this campaign, the environment ministry has raised public awareness by growing and distributing 1.3 million seedlings for free to the public for planting in homes, schools, pagodas, forest restoration areas and public places,” the ministry stated on Saturday, September 28.

So far this year, it has also handed over 300,000 palm seedlings to support the campaign, 20,000 of which have been planted along the border with Vietnam over the past three months.

Officials from the ministry, in collaboration with local authorities in Tbong Khmum, national working groups and around 1,000 local residents, gathered to plant a total of 7,000 seedlings on Saturday, September 28 in Kork and Trapeang Phlong communes, Ponhea Kraek district.

The continuation of palm planting is in response to a recent call by Sophalleth, focusing particularly on planting along the border with neighbouring countries. The effort aims to improve the livelihoods of local people, boost the national economy, protect the environment and contribute to the preservation of the country’s national identity and territorial integrity.

The minister urged citizens to unite in planting more trees, help protect natural resources and avoid deforestation, so that trees can provide shade, reduce heat and offer fresh air. He further encouraged everyone to participate in ensuring the country is a cleaner, greener and sustainably developed society for future generations.

Tbong Khmum provincial administration director Seng Chheyvuth and the provincial environment department could not be reached for further comment on Monday, September 30.

The province shares a 143-kilometre border with Vietnam and requires nearly 70,000 palm seedlings to cover its full length, according to the ministry.