In an effort to rejuvenate areas affected by forest degradation and to conserve lakes, 15,156 saplings of “Raing Phnom” have been planted in four communes in Siem Reap province.

According to legend, one of Buddha’s incarnations was born under a tree known as Raing Phnom (Shorea siamensis). These trees, deeply tied to Cambodia’s culture, are frequently found near Buddhist pagodas and shrines.

The initiative received support from the Regional Community Forestry Training Centre (RECOFTC), in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia, the EU and Our Tonle Sap.

A statement from RECOFTC noted that this tree planting effort was executed in partnership with the Fisheries Administration’s (FiA) provincial cantonment, local administrations and community members.

As a result, more than 15,000 tree saplings found their roots in areas like Kampong Khleang, Dan Run, Kampong Phluk and Chong Kneas communes. Expressing hope for the future, RECOFTC anticipates that these saplings will flourish and demonstrate resilience.

In a recent development, members of the Prek Sramoch fisheries community, village representatives, commune officials and the head of the FiA’s commune bureau have also actively participated in a tree-planting campaign within the Prek Sramoch fisheries community in the province.