Over 40,000 trees planted in Stung Thmey sanctuary
OVER 40,000 trees of var ying species were planted on Wednesday on 56ha i n the Stung Thmey protected area in Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuar y in Pursat province. The planting is for reforestat ion.
Participants included environment officials, representative from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Swedish embassy, the Centre for People and Forests, local authorities, students, teachers and citizens.
Ministry of Environment undersecretary of state Rath Virak said the community participation showed a love for natural resources, including the forest and wildlife.
“This area is rainforest and attracts all types of wild animals to live. If we protect the forest and those wild animals, it will help community development,” he said.
He said the environment ministry will also help develop the area for natural tourism.
Khieu Borin, directorgeneral of the environment ministry’s Local Community General Department, said the Stung Thmey area will grow new plants and encourage the community to protect and conserve natural resources.
“Tree plantation is to conserve natural resources, especially mixed biodiversities for the next generation. The forest in this area cannot provide direct benefits for them, but it can conserve biodiversities, maintain water and attract rain if we can protect it,” he said.
The ministr y plan to grow acacias in a particular part of t his area. The tree is in high demand and can prov ide benefits for five to si x years.
The ministry will also offer residents roosters, cows, goats and pigs to increase their incomes, Borin said.
According to the environment ministry, the Stung Thmey protected area was established in 2010 on 712ha and is home to 110 families.
The 40,000 new trees are Kranhoung (rosewood), Thnong, Beng, Cheuteal and Korki.
The Local Community general department received the funds to plant them from UNDP and the Centre for People and Forests.