PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Environment will officially launch its massive “Green Sprouts” Campaign 2026. During this initiative, the ministry will distribute free tree seedlings directly to the public.
The distribution will take place from July 10-13 right in front of the ministry building in Phnom Penh. This large-scale campaign aligns with Cambodia’s strategic efforts to expand its overall green cover. Consequently, the country aims to reach its carbon neutrality target by the year 2050.
Government Backs Nationwide Reforestation to Support Key Circular Strategy
The government has fully authorized the ministry to provide a massive variety of seedlings free of charge. Citizens can easily plant these trees at their homes or public spaces. Furthermore, the seedlings can be utilized in pagodas, schools, and community forests.
The campaign heavily supports the government’s Pentagonal Strategy–Phase I. In addition, it connects with the Environmental Sector Circular Strategy. Specifically, it addresses the second pillar of the strategy, which focuses entirely on “Greenness.” Therefore, the main goal remains to increase national forest cover while promoting highly sustainable environmental development.
Prime Minister Hun Manet originally instructed the ministry to institutionalize this initiative. Because of this directive, the ministry now produces and distributes free tree seedlings to citizens on an annual basis.
Expanded Nursery Network Targets Record-Breaking Distribution During Rainy Season
Encouraged by exceptionally strong public participation in previous years, the ministry has significantly expanded its regional nursery network nationwide. This infrastructure includes five large regional nurseries located across different provinces. These centers are active in Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Siem Reap, Tboung Khmum, and Mondulkiri provinces. Together, they maintain the capacity to produce millions of healthy seedlings.
This year, the ministry successfully plans to distribute a total of five million seedlings. This total includes 1.5 million sugar palm seedlings. The strategic rollout happens during the rainy season to maximize seedling survival rates.
Key Environmental Benefits of the Tree Distribution Initiative
According to the ministry, large-scale tree planting offers massive benefits for local communities:
- Climate Change Mitigation: The young trees actively help to improve local environments and absorb harmful greenhouse gases.
- Air and Eco Balance: Forests work to purify the air, protect biodiversity, and maintain vital ecological balances.
- Economic Opportunities: Growing trees fosters long-term local economic development through modern green recreational initiatives.
The ministry warmly invites the general public to collect their free seedlings during the four-day event. Meanwhile, seedlings will continue to remain available at provincial environment departments across the entire country throughout the rainy season.
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