Ministry set to establish 4 new sapling nurseries

THE Ministry of Environment is set to establish four additional international standard sapling cultivation stations across four provinces, enhancing the current network of nurseries managed by the provincial environment departments. The new facilities are aimed at distributing plants for both home and community gardening.

Environment minister Eang Sophalleth announced on January 22 that the new centres will be located in Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Siem Reap and Tbong Khmum provinces, according to a January 23 statement from the ministry.

“The initiative involves seeding at least one million saplings for local and community planting in protected areas, ensuring mature trees are available for distribution to individuals for planting at their homes, maintaining large trees to facilitate planting in towns and enhancing the beauty of our towns with a green view,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that the nurseries would promote research on biodiversity and aid in developing green tourism destinations.

Sophalleth said the ministry also plans to establish a Khmer-style entertainment venue, camping sites and solar lighting to support local income through tourism, adhering to principles of cleanliness and affordability.

Chum Huot, president of the Lover Environment Society Association, said on January 23 that the establishment of the centres showcases the importance of forest conservation and its impact on the environment to the public.

He highlighted the role of trees in mental health, oxygen creation and their benefit to the youth and future Cambodian generations.

“The project is an excellent initiative that requires our collective effort in tree care. By nurturing them, we conserve natural resources and protect ourselves from disasters, both natural and otherwise. This in turn renders our country verdant, courtesy of nature,” he said.

According to the ministry, the project aligns with the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-28, which focuses on three key areas: cleanliness, greenery and sustainability, aiming to position the country as carbon-neutral by 2050.

Last October, the ministry announced the launch of a campaign to distribute one million seedlings annually, starting mid-2024, aimed at ensuring more trees are planted than logged.

The authority has also developed measures to enhance the prevention of natural resource crimes and increase the Kingdom’s forest cover to 60 per cent by 2050.