UNDP and Cambodia work together to achieve 60% forest cover by 2050

Last Monday, the UNDP Representative in Cambodia, Ms Alissar Chaker, joined the Minister for the Environment, H.E. Sophalleth Eang, at the inauguration ceremony for the first regional nursery station in the province of Tboung Khmum.

The UNDP has helped the Ministry of the Environment to create five regional nurseries in the provinces of Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, Tboung Khmum and Mondolkiri

Monday's inauguration ceremony marked the first step.

“This joint initiative accelerates the efforts being made as part of the national reforestation strategy, which aims to plant one million trees, as well as the recommendations of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the carbon neutrality objectives,” said Ms Alissar Chaker.

“It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the inauguration ceremony of the first regional nursery station in the province of Tboung Khmum. This is the first step agreed with the Ministry of Environment as part of UNDP's support for the establishment of five regional nurseries in the provinces of Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, Tboung Khmum and Mondulkiri on 17 July 2024”, she added:

I would like to express my gratitude to the local authorities who have worked actively with Ministry officials and the UNDP to prepare this important undertaking, and to His Excellency's leadership in making the Circular Environment Strategy 2023-2028 a reality.

This joint initiative accelerates ongoing efforts under the national reforestation strategy which aims to plant one million trees, as well as the recommendations of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and carbon neutrality targets.

“UNDP has supported the government and the Ministry of Environment in developing the above-mentioned key policies and frameworks for the implementation of the national climate agenda and continues to contribute to the ambitious mitigation target of reaching 60% forest cover by 2050. Support for the climate agenda has been possible thanks to the long-standing support of the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA) programme, funded by the European Union, UNDP and Sweden, which has produced significant results over the past 15 years for a sustainable future.”

Forests have great social, ecological and economic value. Reforestation and forest restoration are at the heart of the climate agenda. Carbon sequestration reduces carbon emissions and mitigates climate change. Nationally determined contributions call for a 41.7% reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with half of this reduction concentrated in the forestry and land use sector.

Forests also improve water quality and filter atmospheric pollutants. They are vital refuges for biodiversity, with a multitude of flora and fauna dependent on them for nutrients, shelter and water, providing a valuable source of food and materials for rural populations.

Whether for camping, fishing, hiking or meditation, forests also offer us the opportunity to connect with nature and enhance our well-being and spirituality. They are therefore important assets for developing ecotourism and diversifying income.

By the end of the year, four other provinces - Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap and Mondulkiri - will follow suit. Work in progress includes the assessment for the selection of suitable sites to establish nurseries, the preparation of master plans and the design of nurseries that incorporate sustainability features such as the use of solar panels for electricity and water supply systems.

Reforestation is becoming increasingly important again, and its success depends on partnerships and joint efforts. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Ministry of the Environment, and for the determination and leadership of H.E. EANG Sophalleth. I also thank our development partners, sister UN agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) for their unwavering commitment to promoting climate action and environmental sustainability.

At UNDP, we believe in the power of partnerships. By working together, we can leverage our resources and expertise for a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Cambodia,” she added.