Nature’s Guardian: APSARA Authority Plants 2 Million Trees to Shield Angkor’s Timeless Marvel

• Sommana Yan
• 17 August 2023
• Local News
• 1637 Views

In a harmonious interplay between heritage and nature, a resolute effort by the APSARA Authority has yielded an awe-inspiring outcome. Over the course of two decades, the revered Angkor region has witnessed the nurturing touch of nature through the planting of an astounding 2 million trees. This pivotal ecological undertaking, unveiled on August 16, 2023, resonates as a testament to APSARA’s unyielding dedication to the preservation of Angkor’s cultural gem.

The visionary HE Hang Pov, Director General of APSARA Authority, cast light on the roots of this monumental endeavor. Stemming from the establishment of the Department of Water and Forestry Management in 2004, meticulous plans took shape to enrich the verdant tapestry of the Angkor resort area. Over the course of 19 years, this commitment blossomed into a thriving forest canopy, comprising nearly 2 million trees, which stands as a living testament to the region’s enduring legacy.

This remarkable feat, however, is not confined to mere numbers; it embodies a profound vision of conservation and restoration. Alongside the meticulous plantation within the Angkor area, the APSARA Authority has facilitated the distribution of saplings to both public and private institutions, spreading the tendrils of preservation further.

The years 2022 and 2023 have seen an intensified dedication to Angkor’s preservation. Mirroring the Royal Government’s resolve to rejuvenate the region’s cultural landscape and global significance, APSARA Authority has orchestrated the planting of over 47,000 hybrid seedlings on vacant land encircling Angkor. This earnest endeavor reflects a collective commitment to fortify the area’s environmental integrity.

HE Hang Pov emphasized that the temple’s stability is intimately intertwined with the presence of groundwater, a lifeline that sustains its foundations. The sprawling canopy of trees, a natural defense, combats groundwater evaporation, fostering equilibrium. Moreover, the symbiotic relationship between the temple and its arboreal guardians is exemplified through the process of photosynthesis. These trees emit moisture, curbing ambient heat and safeguarding the temple’s structural integrity against the ravages of time. A dual role emerges, as these steadfast trees also mitigate the impact of wind, preserving the timeless grandeur of the ancient temples.

In the backdrop of this resounding ecological symphony, APSARA Authority’s commitment echoes the harmonious coexistence of human heritage and the nurturing embrace of nature.

• Energy and Environment