Green spaces in Phnom Penh: a desire of Prime Minister Hun Manet
- Editorial team
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
With the aim of improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of Phnom Penh, the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has unveiled an ambitious project to transform 70 hectares of land in the Kob Srov area into a lively public park.
This initiative is a crucial step in providing citizens with a 70-hectare haven of peace in a bustling urban environment, allowing them to relax and enjoy leisure activities.
New public park project
Announced at the inauguration of the Morodok Techo Bridge on 7 April 2025, the project underlines the government's commitment to urban greening and community well-being. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised the importance of green spaces in urban areas, stating that large cities should have vast public parks to encourage a healthier lifestyle and promote community engagement.
The new park is envisaged as an oasis of tranquillity where families and individuals can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is part of the ‘broader strategy of developing public parks across the country, encouraging a sense of healthy competition between cities to improve their urban landscapes.
Urban revitalisation and green spaces
Phnom Penh has undergone rapid urbanisation over the past three decades, resulting in a shortage of green spaces, particularly in densely populated areas. The city currently has 87 public spaces, many of which include green spaces, but these are mainly concentrated in the central districts.
To address this disparity, the government wants to prioritise ‘urban greening’ through initiatives such as Phnom Penh's strategic plan for a green city (2017-2026). This plan includes the development of suburban parks and the modernisation of existing parks with facilities such as playgrounds and outdoor sports equipment.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite these efforts, Phnom Penh still faces difficulties in expanding its green spaces. The city's urban density makes it difficult to acquire large plots of land, leading to the use of smaller and innovative solutions such as modest-sized local parks.
However, small-scale urban parks offer a potential alternative to urban green spaces. They can mitigate heat islands, improve biodiversity and contribute to water-sensitive urban design. However, their development is hampered by site limitations, design complexity and operational challenges.
Despite laudable intentions, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the park. These concerns include:
Environmental impact: The transformation of a piece of land into a public park may result in changes to local ecosystems, potentially affecting biodiversity and water management in the region.
Community participation: There are some concerns about the level of community participation in the planning process and whether the needs and preferences of local residents have been adequately taken into account.
Infrastructure and maintenance: The long-term maintenance and management of the park pose significant challenges, requiring considerable resources and planning to ensure its sustainability.
Background
Phnom Penh's urban development has been characterised by rapid growth and challenges related to climate resilience, infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The city has faced problems such as flooding and the loss of natural wetlands, which have been filled in to allow for urban expansion. This context highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of environmental impacts in any new development projects.
Directions
Prime Minister Hun Manet's initiative to transform the Kob Srov area into a public park is part of a broader effort to improve the urban environment of Phnom Penh. The project complements the ongoing efforts of the Phnom Penh municipal administration to plant thousands of trees and improve the quality of the environment through a tree planting initiative.
As Phnom Penh continues to grow, the integration of green spaces will be crucial to maintaining a sustainable and liveable city. The government's emphasis on public parks reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and fostering a healthier urban ecosystem.
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