The Forestry Administration – under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – has raised and planted over 21 million tree saplings using state funds, while millions more have been planted by citizens across the country.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina shared the figure during celebrations of the 30th National Arbor Day, held at the Highland Seed Production Farm in Chamkar Leu district, Kampong Cham province on July 9, under the presidency of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni.
He explained that the day has become a nationwide movement promoting the love, care and protection of forests and the replanting of trees in all regions across Cambodia. It has resulted in the creation of public parks and tree plantations covering hundreds of thousands of hectares at pagodas, schools, public squares, communities and tourism sites.
“As of 2025, the Forestry Administration has planted over 21 million saplings using the national budget, while millions more have been planted by citizens nationwide — not counting fruit trees or industrial crops,” he said.
He noted that Cambodia is one of the leading countries in the region – and globally – in designating its land as protected natural forest, with over 40 per cent now protected by law. He added that the Kingdom continues to promote forest restoration efforts.
In the forestry sub-sector, the ministry is implementing several strategic plans, including strengthening forest land protection and management, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Land Management and sub-national administrations to push for the registration of state lands — including forest cover areas, community forest lands and forestry station lands.
In addition, efforts are being stepped up to encourage tree planting by all sectors — the state, NGOs and private enterprises — to support nationwide reforestation, and to intensify the crackdown on forest land encroachment, illegal logging and wildlife trafficking.
There are also efforts to prevent and respond promptly to forest fires, especially during the dry season, to protect natural forests. At the same time, the ministry is supporting and promoting commercial tree plantations to meet domestic wood demand, reduce pressure on natural forests and ensure their sustainability, while also encouraging wood processing industries to contribute to the national economy.
Tina also noted that, in collaboration with partners and the private sector, the ministry is also providing technical support and funding to help develop livelihoods for local communities through livestock farming, agro-forestry, eco-agriculture and non-timber forest product collection.
These initiatives aim to improve the livelihoods of 650 community groups, representing more than 170,000 households and 510,000 individuals nationwide, who play an important role in protecting forests and wildlife.
On this year’s National Arbor Day, a total of 15,000 mixed tree saplings – including hardwood species – were planted on a 10-hectare plot in the Arbor Day park.
