Wang Wenbin, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, has described China–Cambodia cooperation as being “like an orchid, long-lasting and beautiful”.
He made the comparison as he addressed the July 31 launch ceremony of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation project “Enhance cooperation to support the implementation and operation of Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center”, which is funded by the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund.
The event was presided over by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth.
The ambassador expressed his great pleasure at the launch of the project.
“Cambodia is home to rich natural resources, not least a diverse range of orchid species. In Chinese culture, orchids symbolise elegance, nobility and enduring friendship,” he said.
He hoped the project would further promote the conservation of wild orchidaceous plants and contribute to the undertaking of biodiversity.
He explained that the project’s core objectives include promoting research and conservation of wild orchid species, offering training and raising public awareness about the importance of nature conservation.
Beyond this, the project will also create employment opportunities for local communities, through the development of ecotourism.
Environment minister Sophalleth expressed his deep gratitude to the Chinese government — especially China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Special Fund — for their technical and financial support for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management in Cambodia, including their backing of this important project.
He also thanked the domestic and international institutions that have contributed to research, data collection and the conservation of wild orchid species, as well as to the development of the centre to date.
He voiced strong confidence that the project will succeed thanks to increasingly close and robust cooperation, aimed at preserving Cambodia’s rich wild orchid species for future generations.
The Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center was established in January 2019.
Located in Phnom Kulen National Park (officially named Preah Jayavarman–Norodom Phnom Kulen) in Siem Reap province, the centre’s mission is to research and conserve wild orchid species, which are an important part of Cambodia’s biodiversity. It also aims to promote public education and awareness of the importance of environmental protection and create alternative livelihood options for local communities through ecotourism development.
In addition to the orchid gardens in the northern part of the mountain, construction of 10 green rest areas for the community in the Prey Thom–Anlong Thom Protected Area has been completed. These are intended to welcome tourists who seek leisure and recreation in nature on Phnom Kulen.
The “Green Resting Places” initiative is designed to help improve the livelihoods of communities in protected areas and strengthen forest conservation.
