King Norodom Sihamoni on July 9 called on the public to plant trees at suitable places for the sake of the environment, as a green investment and a buffer against climate change.

The King made the remark during a speech at a celebration marking National Arbour Day, or Royal Tree Planting Day, held in Snoeung commune of Battambang province’s Banan district.

His Majesty noted that National Arbour Day has been celebrated since the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era between 1953-1970, under the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

The King asked monks, local officials and the general public to plant as many of each type of tree as possible – especially the ubiquitous Asian palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) – at pagodas, parks and public places, the outdoor leisure travel spots known locally as “romeak’ni-yakthan”; along roads, streams, rivers and levees; and around villages and farms.

The trees will not only absorb carbon dioxide and be a bastion against climate change, but also offer shelter for people and animals as well as protection against strong winds, and in the end provide construction material, firewood, and fertiliser for the soil, the King explained.

The King asked the public to act responsibly and remain vigilant to wildfires, and refrain from and prevent logging, deforestation and land clearing as well as illegal wildlife snaring and hunting. His Majesty called for reduced reliance on forestry assets, and agriculture that optimally exploits the given land conditions.

“We together should initiate new ideas and make traditions out of them. A wedded couple should plant a memorial tree on the grounds where they married, in a forest, or a tranquil park,” the King said, likening the act as a green investment with multiple benefits for mankind, wildlife and the planet.