On the occasion of this year’s July 9 National Tree Planting Day, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni shared how planting trees and all kinds of vegetation is a form of green investment in nature, offering a wide range of benefits for humanity and all living creatures, as well as the planet. It contributes to vibrant green landscapes throughout the seasons.
The 2025 National Tree Planting Day ceremony was held at Kampong Cham province’s Highland Seed Plantation in Bos Khnor commune, Chamkar Leu district, under the patronage of His Majesty. The event was attended by Senate president Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, senior national and sub-national officials, and members of the public.
National Tree Planting Day was initiated during the era of the Sangkum Reastr Niyum in the 1950s, as a nationwide movement to encourage the public to participate in forest conservation and tree planting efforts across the country.
“Tree Planting Day is a noble tradition and a significant national movement in restoring and preserving nature, aligned with national policy. Its purpose is to conserve and sustainably manage natural resources — especially forest protection, which is crucial for wildlife habitat, water resources and biodiversity — benefiting present and future generations. It also serves as a great merit for all humanity,” said his majesty.
His Majesty added that Buddhist monks, authorities at all levels and citizens are now actively participating in tree planting, guided by the shared vision that: “Planting trees and protecting forests is helping oneself and increasing valuable natural resources”.
These resources are essential for people’s daily lives, for climate change mitigation, for protection from natural disasters and for the future well-being of Cambodia’s next generations.
The King dedicated this year’s Tree Planting Day to the hearts of all Cambodians, and hoped that it will continue to be a tradition and national movement that unites the people in planting all types of trees, preserving and developing forests and wildlife, as a lasting legacy for humanity.
His Majesty also expressed his gratitude to Cambodia’s international friends and both domestic and international organisations who have supported tree planting and forest and wildlife conservation efforts. He urged all parties to continue these activities, to support the efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and for the greater benefit of the world as a whole.
