In the past two decades, the Angkor area has seen a surge in greenery, with nearly two million trees planted.

This achievement was shared by Hang Peou, director general of the APSARA National Authority (ANA), as he led a team of nearly 500 ANA staff to plant saplings and grass around the iconic Angkor temple.

Their recent endeavour covered 400 square metres in front of Angkor Wat, close to the Trapeang Ses pond.

“After the foundation of the Department of Water and Forestry Management in 2004, plans were set in motion to increase the number of trees in the Angkor area,” Peou commented.

He added: “Over the last 19 years, we’ve added two million trees. This doesn’t even count the seedlings given to various public and private institutions”.

In light of recent government decisions, the ANA has revamped the Angkor area. This move was essential to address the culturally significant landscape’s importance and the outstanding universal values the region holds.

“From late 2022 till now, over 47,000 mixed trees have quickly taken root around Angkor,” Peou mentioned.

“Trees offer numerous benefits, especially for ancient temples. Three elements are inseparable here: water, forest, and temple,” he explained.

“As many understand, a temple’s stability is directly linked to groundwater. Planting trees improves groundwater retention. Trees near temples release moisture, cooling the temples, which in turn prevents stone cracking, collapse, or erosion”, Peou detailed.

He further added that trees play a pivotal role in reducing wind speeds, another factor that can impact the preservation of ancient structures.

Peou remains optimistic about the future, hoping that the continual greening of the Angkor area will enhance its beauty. With the temple surrounded by forests, visitors will undoubtedly have an enriched experience during their visits.