The Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC) has been busy in Battambang province, donating and planting over 200 luxury saplings and ornamental trees.
The plantings took place in the scenic Ang Ta Korm area in Ek Phnom district with the goal of enhancing the natural surroundings and luring tourists to the historic Wat Ek Phnom site.
On August 7, a special event was organised in collaboration with the Forestry Administration’s (FA) provincial cantonment and the district administration.
During the event, 250 seedlings, including thnong (Burma padauk), chheuteal (Dipterocarpus alatus) and royal poinciana (Delonix regia) trees, were planted in the Ang Ta Korm area. The occasion was an extension of the July 9 national tree planting day.
Under the theme “Each member of the GGAC in Battambang plants a tree”, the GGAC expressed its commitment to environmental enhancement and the promotion of tourism in the province. The sentiment behind the theme also carries a sense of unity and purpose.
Battambang provincial deputy governor Soeum Bunrith spoke on August 8 about the broader initiative. He explained that authorities are not only planting trees in tourist areas but also encouraging tree planting on public roads throughout the province.
These green shelters, he said, are essential for showcasing the beauty of Cambodia and promoting fresh air and a clean environment.
He further emphasised the importance of planting trees in the area connected to a network of cultural and tourist sites within the Wat Ek Phnom region.
“If more trees are planted in the Ang Ta Korm area, the increased shade will make it as cool and comfortable as at Angkor Wat,” he said.
“We planted a lot of trees there. When we enter these areas, we feel cool as the trees provide shade. This also helps attract more national and international visitors to the Wat Ek Phnom temple area”.
He recalled that in the past, the Ang Ta Korm area was vital for irrigation, especially for rice. Although the area was relatively clean, it lacked trees as the authorities had plans to restore the reservoir.
Bunrith emphasised the need to plant more trees in the area, not just for green shade but also to enhance visitor appeal. This effort ensures that the Ang Ta Korm area continues to be a lush and inviting destination for those seeking leisure and exploration.
