Reforestation project kicks off in Kampong Chhnang’s flooded forests

While authorities are rounding up criminals and seizing back state land that was deforested and encroached, other working groups are replanting trees in the once dense forests of the Tonle Sap swamp forest.

The Minister of Rural Development, Ouk Rabun, reported that working groups and authorities have begun to plant bamboo and palm in three areas of the encroached swamp forests located in Kampong Chhnang.

He said this on the morning of December 14, while presiding over the ceremony to kick off the rehabilitation project of the flooded forest. The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Kampong Chhnang, Sun So Vannarith, as well as the Deputy Governor and other relevant authorities and 550 students.

The working group planted 10 large palm trees, 3,000 palm seeds, and 1,000 bamboos. This is part of the rehabilitation of the land that was deforested to make way for rice fields.

1,150 people voluntarily landed over land that they stole from the government. According to the authorities, 2,058 hectares of swamp forest land were returned to the state. They also dismantled various structures in those lands.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES