AKP Phnom Penh, September 21, 2026 -- Tree planting and forest protection serve as a direct defence against climate change, safeguard communities from natural disasters, and preserve natural heritage for future generations, a senior Cambodian official said Sunday.

Samdech Kittisangahapundit Men Sam An, Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, made the remarks while presiding over a ceremony in Svay Rieng province, where 2,200 saplings were planted at the Qilu Special Economic Zone and 16,000 saplings were distributed across all eight city and districts of the province.

Samdech Men Sam An expressed gratitude to Environment Minister H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth for providing the saplings, as well as to H.E. Chea Vuthy, Secretary-General of the Cambodian Investment Board, for coordinating with Mr. Xing Baoguo, Director-General of the Qilu Special Economic Zone.

She also commended provincial authorities and local officials for their active cooperation in organising the event.

She noted that tree planting has evolved into a nationwide movement aimed at expanding green cover in Svay Rieng and advancing Cambodia's long-term environmental conservation policies.

H.E. Peng Posa, Governor of Svay Rieng province, emphasised that the initiative reflects a shared commitment between the public and private sectors to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

Economic progress and environmental protection must advance together, ensuring that industrial investment drives sustainable development across the country, H.E. Governor added.

By K. Rithy Reak