(Phnom Penh): In the coming months, Cambodia, like many countries around the world, may experience the effects of El Niño—hotter temperatures, prolonged dry weather, increased pressure on water resources, and a greater risk of forest fires. While we cannot prevent this natural climate phenomenon, we can prepare for it together.

The strongest shield we can build is not made of concrete or steel.

It is made of trees.

Every tree we plant today becomes an investment in tomorrow. It cools the air, protects our water sources, enriches our soil, shelters wildlife, absorbs carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, and strengthens Cambodia’s resilience against climate change. One tree makes a difference. Millions of trees transform a nation.

Recognizing the importance of expanding Cambodia’s green cover, the Ministry of Environment has prepared five million tree saplings for distribution this year—free of charge—to the Cambodian people. This is one of the nation’s largest public tree-planting initiatives, reflecting the belief that every citizen can become part of the solution to climate change.

As part of this national effort, I warmly invite every Cambodian family, every student, every teacher, every parent, every monk, every farmer, every public servant, every member of the armed forces, every business owner, every community organization, and every citizen to visit the Green Sprout Exhibition at the Ministry of Environment from 10 to 13 July.

This is not merely an exhibition.

It is a call to action.

During these four days, visitors will receive free tree saplings to plant at their homes, schools, pagodas, farms, workplaces, villages, and community spaces. Every sapling taken home is a promise to help build a greener, cooler, and more resilient Cambodia.

When you plant a tree, you are planting far more than a seedling.

You are planting shade for your children.

You are planting cleaner air for your community.

You are planting water security for farmers.

You are planting homes for birds and wildlife.

You are planting hope for future generations.

One tree may cool a home.

One hundred trees may cool a village.

Five million trees can help strengthen the resilience of an entire nation.

Cambodia has already demonstrated that when its people unite behind a common purpose, extraordinary things happen. Today, we are called upon once again to unite—not against one another, but against the growing challenges of climate change and the impacts of El Niño.

This nationwide tree-planting initiative belongs to everyone. Whether you are young or old, living in the city or the countryside, every tree you plant becomes part of Cambodia’s living shield against extreme heat, drought, and environmental degradation.

Our request is simple: Do not let the sapling stop at your doorstep. Plant it. Care for it. Protect it. Watch it grow. A tree reaches its true value only when it is nurtured into maturity, providing benefits for decades to come.

History will remember not only what we built with our hands, but also what we preserved with our hearts.

From 10 to 13 July, let us gather at the Ministry of Environment.

Come with your family.

Receive your free tree saplings.

Join the national goal of distributing five million tree saplings this year.

Plant them with pride.

Care for them with love.

Together, let us transform five million young trees into a living shield that protects Cambodia from the impacts of El Niño, strengthens our environment, safeguards our future, and leaves a greener homeland for generations to come.

One Cambodian. One Tree. Five Million Trees. One Stronger Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS