The Battambang Provincial Administration planted 5,600 luxury trees in Peam Ek village and commue in Ek Phnom district on July 17 to celebrate Arbour Day.

The environmental initiative, featuring Koki (Hopea odorata) and royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), aims to reduce natural disasters and beautify the region.

Ek Phnom district governor Mil Sophal noted that the planting site spanned 6,000m along the Daun Teav Canal. In 2018, a dam and two canals were built there to aid farmers and canal-side residents.

“The government repositioned these people elsewhere, safeguarding this public land. We requested the administration to plant saplings for future generations,” said Sophal.

Provincial governor Sok Lou said that while Arbour Day is a tradition from the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era of the 1950s, King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen continue to support the annual event.

“Given the serious deforestation issues, especially in developing countries, tree replanting is critical to mitigating natural disasters,” Lou said.

He said Minister of Interior Sar Kheng had instructed the planting of native trees.

“This step familiarises the next generation with Cambodia’s diverse trees,” said Lou.

In closing, Lou revealed plans to expand the road to Banan district with a bicycle lane and luxury trees.

“We aim to create a model street with a sidewalk, bicycle lane and trees for aesthetic appeal,” he said, encouraging authorities to plant more trees to uphold the province’s conservation commitment.