Preah Sihanouk: The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and the Prey Nup district administration, organised a mangrove planting ceremony in Preah Sihanouk province on April 23.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, a total of 12,500 saplings were planted at the Chumpou Khmao fishing community, Chumpou Khmao village, Tuol Toteung commune, Prey Nup district. The event was attended by Prey Nup district authorities, local commune officials, residents of Tuol Toteung commune, and representatives from the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
The mangrove planting initiative in Chumpou Khmao village aims to restore degraded mangrove forests, particularly by expanding mangrove coverage in the coastal areas of Preah Sihanouk province. This effort also seeks to reduce land disputes and enhance environmental sustainability.
During the ceremony, the Prey Nup district governor urged the Chumpou Khmao community to actively participate in protecting and conserving these vital mangrove forests. He emphasised that mangroves provide numerous benefits, including supporting family-based fishing activities, increasing fish stocks, serving as critical bird habitats, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, mangroves create shelters for diverse wildlife, further enriching the community's marine biodiversity. It was noted that 3,000 mangrove saplings were planted in Chumpou Khmao village on the occasion, with the remaining 9,500 saplings to be planted by the community in the near future.