Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth and European Commissioner for International Partnership Jutta Urpilainen symbolically planted trees together at Phnom Penh Thmey Primary School on March 13. Environment Ministry
Cambodia and the EU have pledged to collaborate in providing seedlings and planting trees to improve and expand green spaces in schools, with the capital-provincial environment departments having already planted over 550,000 saplings for public distribution in the past six months.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth and European Commissioner for International Partnership Jutta Urpilainen symbolically planted trees together, marking a strengthened partnership for greenery in Cambodia, at Phnom Penh Thmey Primary School on March 13, as publicised on the ministry’s social media.
During the ceremony, Sophalleth noted that the ministry initiated a campaign in October 2023, focusing on tree and plant seedlings and forming a key part of the ministry’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-28, which revolves around three core strategies: cleanliness, greenery and sustainability.
“The upcoming Arbor Day on July 10 is a time to showcase and distribute various seedlings to the public at no cost. The initiative exemplifies our commitment to protecting and conserving Cambodia’s forests,” he stated.
He noted that the green schools initiative is seen as crucial for the younger generation and their response to climate change.
Sophalleth said the EU and Cambodia have pledged to supply seedlings and plant trees in educational institutions to foster and expand green spaces, setting a precedent in planting, nurturing and safeguarding trees, aligning with the aim of achieving over 60% forest cover by 2050.
Urpilainen endorsed the country’s dedication to combating climate change and highlighted the EU’s commitment to educating young people about loving, caring for and preserving natural resources.
She also mentioned the EU’s “#ForOurPlanet” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the long-term partnership between the union and the Kingdom.
According to the ministry, as part of a campaign to publically distribute 1 million saplings annually, the capital-provincial environment departments have planted a total of 556,687 saplings over the last six months, with 205,368 of these already distributed for planting in homes, schools, Buddhist pagodas and communities as of March 12.
Chum Huot, president of the Lover Environment and Society Association, commended the ministry’s dedication to organising the undertaking, expressing on March 14 his full support for their efforts.
“As we have seen, the ministry has endeavoured to plant seedlings in various communities, schools and pagodas. The initiative is commendable and has garnered much enthusiasm,” he stated.
Huot emphasised the need for collaboration between the ministry, relevant institutions and all citizens in restoring woodlands through reforestation and the maintenance and protection of the remaining forests in certain areas.
Separately on March 13, Sophalleth briefed the National Assembly’s (NA) Commission on Planning, Investment, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Development, Environment, Water Resources and Meteorology on the ministry’s accomplishments over the past six months, under the seventh-mandate government.
Loy Sophat, head of the NA’s commission, commended the ministry for its achievements in a relatively short time.
They expressed support for its rigorous enforcement against natural resource crimes and its campaigns to reduce plastic usage and distribute seedlings.
