The Ministry of Environment held the 5th National Kesor Kol (Orchid) Forum today, November 26. The event, which featured an art exhibition and a drawing competition, aimed at raising awareness about the diversity of Cambodia’s wild orchid species, terrestrial and ornamental plants, as well as their ecological value and usefulness.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth presided over the opening of the forum. He was joined by representatives from foreign embassies, relevant ministries and institutions, provincial and municipal environment departments, national and international partners, the private sector, park rangers, teachers and around 520 students
The event included displays of wild orchid species and hybrid orchids, terrestrial and ornamental plants, and several biodiversity-related products.
Sophalleth highlighted the ministry’s plans to transform Siem Reap province’s Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center into a new nature-based tourism destination, noting that it will complement existing cultural heritage tourism.
He also expressed the desire to promote the cultivation of certain orchid varieties for free public distribution, similar to the annual “Ponlok Baitong” campaign that distributes tree saplings to encourage biodiversity conservation, community engagement and local economic development.
This was the fifth year the ministry had organised the forum. This year’s edition differed from previous ones: in addition to showcasing wild and hybrid orchids, terrestrial plants, ornamental plants and biodiversity products, it also included a competition for drawing Cambodian wild orchids and an exhibition of the artwork.
This blend of conservation and artistic promotion aims to cultivate appreciation and love for wild orchids and encourage public participation in biodiversity conservation — especially among youth, inspiring them to take an interest in the rich and valuable diversity of Cambodia’s wild orchids, which play important roles in ecosystems, local communities and the national economy.
Since 2019, the ministry, through the Sok An Phnom Kulen centre, has collected more than 200 species of orchids, totalling about 5,000 samples. Currently, over 400 wild orchid species have been studied and recorded, and experts estimate that Cambodia may have more than 500 species in total.
Since 2020, the Ministry has also sent 50 samples of wild orchid species to the National Museum of Natural History in Paris for professional identification and international registration.
