Tuol Kork district has planted 931 trees and prepared 500 additional saplings for distribution as part of an environmental campaign aimed at expanding green spaces, protecting the environment and improving living conditions across the Phnom Penh district.
The tree-planting and sapling distribution campaign was held on October 7 at Chea Sim Samaki High School in Boeung Salang commune under the theme “Together Plant Trees, Together Protect the Environment.” The initiative was led by Yentieng Puthirith, Deputy Chairman of the Royal Government Working Group for Tuol Kork District and Chairman of UYFC Working Group 78.
Key Facts
Trees planted: 931
Additional saplings: 500
Campaign date: October 7, 2026
Main venue: Chea Sim Samaki High School, Boeung Salang commune
Trees planted at the school: 38
Tree varieties at the school: 30 Neang Nuon and 8 Thnong
Other planting locations: Parks, schools, pagodas and public places
Long-term goal: Make all 10 Tuol Kork communes greener
Campaign theme: “Together Plant Trees, Together Protect the Environment”
931 Trees Planted Across Tuol Kork
The campaign resulted in 931 trees being planted across Tuol Kork district.
At Chea Sim Samaki High School, 38 trees were planted during the October 7 ceremony. These included 30 Neang Nuon trees (Dalbergia bariensis) and eight Thnong trees (Pterocarpus macrocarpus).
The remaining 893 trees were planted at parks, educational institutions, pagodas and other public locations.
The distribution of planting activities across different types of public spaces is intended to expand vegetation beyond a single site and contribute to greener communities throughout the district.
500 Saplings Prepared for Distribution
In addition to the trees already planted, 500 saplings representing eight varieties were prepared for distribution.
The saplings will be provided to representatives of the district administration, teachers, students and residents.
They are intended to be planted at pagodas, along public roads and around homes, further expanding green coverage throughout Tuol Kork.
The initiative therefore combines large-scale planting in public spaces with community participation in planting and maintaining trees around residential and community areas.
Tree Planting Linked to Environmental Protection
Puthirith described the tree-planting activity as meaningful for society and the nation, highlighting the shared responsibility of citizens and authorities in protecting and expanding green spaces.
He said citizens, armed forces and authorities at all levels have an obligation to participate in tree planting, referring to the national forestry policy under the 2002 Forestry Law.
He also highlighted the broader benefits of trees, including increasing green coverage, improving natural landscapes and producing oxygen.
According to Puthirith, forests also contribute to agriculture, the economy, social affairs, tourism and culture, while serving as natural barriers against disasters.
Call for Long-Term Tree Care
Planting trees is only the first stage of the initiative.
Puthirith called on authorities, teachers, students and residents to properly care for the newly planted trees so they can grow, survive and remain protected from destruction.
This emphasis on maintenance is important to the campaign's longer-term objective of improving green coverage.
The initiative's success will depend not only on the number of trees planted but also on their survival and continued protection in public and community spaces.
Continuing Cambodia’s Tree-Planting Tradition
Puthirith also linked the campaign to Cambodia's long-standing national emphasis on forestry and tree planting.
He recalled that the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk launched the Arbor Day tree-planting movement in 1952 to encourage generations of Cambodians to value, protect and preserve forests.
According to Puthirith, the late King Father personally attended Arbor Day ceremonies or sent representatives to participate, although the tradition was interrupted during periods of war.
He also referred to the importance placed on forestry and tree planting by both the late King Father and the current King.
Goal to Make All 10 Tuol Kork Communes Greener
The Royal Government Working Group for Tuol Kork plans to continue cooperating with the Phnom Penh Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, UYFC Working Group 78 and other relevant organisations.
The group intends to plant trees wherever vacant land is available.
The broader goal is to promote green vegetation across all 10 communes in Tuol Kork, while improving public spaces, the local environment and living conditions for residents.
The approach combines government coordination with participation from schools, residents and other community stakeholders.
Tuol Kork Builds on Previous Tree-Planting Campaigns
The latest initiative is part of an ongoing tree-planting programme in Tuol Kork during Cambodia's seventh legislative term.
The district previously organised two tree-planting and sapling distribution activities.
The first was held on September 21, 2024, at Stung Meanchey Park and along the Boeung Salang canal.
The second took place on November 13, 2025, at Chea Sim Santhormuk High School.
The latest campaign at Chea Sim Samaki High School therefore continues a series of environmental activities intended to increase green coverage in the district.
Why Urban Tree Planting Matters for Tuol Kork?
The campaign comes as Tuol Kork continues to develop as an urban district of Phnom Penh.
Planting trees in parks, schools, pagodas, along roads and around homes can create more green areas within densely developed communities.
The initiative also gives residents, students and local institutions a direct role in environmental protection.
By distributing saplings rather than limiting planting to government-led locations, the programme seeks to extend environmental participation into neighbourhoods and community spaces.
Angkor Times Analysis
Tuol Kork's latest campaign demonstrates that urban greening can involve both public-space development and community participation. The planting of 931 trees across different locations, combined with the distribution of 500 saplings, provides a broader approach than concentrating planting at a single site.
The next challenge is tree survival. The call for residents, students, teachers and authorities to care for planted trees is therefore an important part of the initiative. The environmental value of the programme will ultimately depend on how successfully the trees are maintained and protected over time.
The goal of making all 10 communes in Tuol Kork greener also gives the campaign a longer-term geographic focus. Continued coordination among district authorities, agriculture and forestry officials, youth organisations, schools and residents could help turn individual planting events into a sustained urban greening programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trees did Tuol Kork plant in the latest campaign?
A total of 931 trees were planted as part of the campaign.
How many saplings are being distributed?
Another 500 saplings representing eight varieties were prepared for distribution to district representatives, teachers, students and residents.
Where were the trees planted?
Trees were planted at Chea Sim Samaki High School, as well as parks, educational institutions, pagodas and other public places across Tuol Kork.
What trees were planted at Chea Sim Samaki High School?
The 38 trees planted at the school included 30 Neang Nuon trees (Dalbergia bariensis) and eight Thnong trees (Pterocarpus macrocarpus).
What is the goal of the Tuol Kork initiative?
The initiative aims to expand green vegetation and make all 10 communes in Tuol Kork greener while improving public spaces and living conditions.
Who will receive the 500 saplings?
Representatives of the district administration, teachers, students and residents will receive the saplings for planting at pagodas, along public roads and around homes.
Has Tuol Kork conducted similar campaigns before?
Yes. Previous activities were held in September 2024 at Stung Meanchey Park and along the Boeung Salang canal, and in November 2025 at Chea Sim Santhormuk High School.