Apsara distributes nearly 2,000 saplings

Eucalyptus tree's wood pulp used to make paper in Banteay Meanchey. Ministry of Agriculture

A two-day environmental drive launched earlier this week by the Apsara Authority saw the distribution of nearly 2,000 tree saplings to monks and residents of the provinces of Siem Reap and Preah Vihear.

The recent distribution follows Apsara’s ongoing tree-planting campaign in a bid to promote environmental awareness, increase forest cover in the Kingdom and strengthen the foundation of ancient temples.

On August 1, the Apsara handed over 300 tree saplings to Yan Ponlok, deputy director of Siem Reap Provincial Department of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, to be planted at Mon Thean pagoda and distributed to the local community at the North Kork Russei village of Soutr Nikum district.

On the same day, 122 saplings were given to Issa Rahani of the Dissemination Department of the Apsara Authority to be planted in a mosque compound in Kralanh district’s Ta Kong village.

The distribution continued on August 3 with 600 saplings donated to Venerable Yi Roeut, chief monk of Angkor Chum district’s Kiri Kongkea pagoda.

Simultaneously, 650 others were given to the Provincial Hall of Preah Vihear province to be planted along the streets, as well as around the renowned Koh Ker temple.

A total of 1,672 tree saplings were distributed during the drive, comprising various species such as Kranhuoug, Thnong, Beng, Kakoh, Koki, Rumduol, Loeung Reach, Trabek Prey and Angkea Bos.

During the first seven months of 2019, the Apsara planted and distributed more than 60,000 saplings in Siem Reap province’s Angkor area.

Credited: Khmer Times