The “Green Sprout” initiative, which focuses on planting trees and distributing seedlings, caught the attention of Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Bin Onn during a visit to the Ministry of Environment’s regional tree nursery in Tbong Khmum province. He commended the Ministry of Environment and the Royal Government of Cambodia for their efforts to grow regional nurseries, emphasising their solar-powered irrigation systems and sustainable management.

The ambassador also emphasised the close ties between Malaysia and Cambodia, saying that Malaysia is prepared to lend knowledge and resources to help Cambodia’s environmental sector, especially with regard to planting trees. He reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing collaborative environmental activities and sharing technical expertise for extensive tree planting campaigns.

The Malaysian Ambassador’s visit to the ministry’s regional tree nursery, which supports national tree planting campaigns, was welcomed with thanks by Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth. He underlined that the Environmental Sector Chakra Strategy, particularly its second pillar, “Greenness”, is a component of this endeavour.

He claimed that Prime Minister Hun Manet is leading the plan, which is in line with the Pentagonal Strategy of the Royal Government of Cambodia. In order to increase forest cover, encourage public participation in tree planting, and work towards carbon neutrality by 2050, the ministry established the “Green Sprout” initiative.

The Ministry of Environment is setting up five significant regional tree nurseries in the provinces of Tbong Khmum, Siem Reap, Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu, and Koh Kong as part of this effort.

The ministry generated 3,454,472 tree seedlings by 2025, comprising 1,933,736 forest trees, 1,374,434 palm trees, and 146,332 fruit trees.

Through the Department of Environment in Phnom Penh, provincial departments, and regional tree nurseries across the country, these seedlings are regularly given away to citizens at no cost.