Kandal (FN), July 9 - His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni urged citizens to prevent wildfire, illegal logging and hunting, and to plant as many trees as possible to restore tree coverage.

The urge was made on Sunday when his majesty chaired the "National Arbor Day" in Kandal province.

The King reiterated that the citizens' participations reflects the spirit of responsibility on forest resources for the next generation.

His majesty appeals to national and international organizations and development partners to support in all forms of forest conservation, development, and reforms; and appeals to all provincial authorities and compatriots nationwide to plant trees and create "tree garden" for a green and lively environment.

"In collaboration with the Ministry of Royal Palace, Kandal provincial authorities celebrated the 27th Arbor Day on 10 hectares of land with a total of 8,830 trees," said Veng Sakhon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The main purpose of this forum is to maximize the spirit of reforestation; improves natural beauty and landscapes; regulates water resources; protects biodiversity; contributes to reducing air pollution; and sustain livelihoods for millions of people dependent on benefits of trees, according to the minister.

He reiterated that forest resources play an important role in economic, social and environmental development, especially for the benefit of our society, both in the present and the future; hence, every citizen has the duty to preserve and develop the forests efficiently and sustainably for the benefit of our people, in the present and future generation.

PM Hun Sen also requested all citizens to protect forests and other natural resources as they are significant to livelihoods and biodiversity.

"A country with many trees can help fight climate change," the premier wrote on Facebook.

"The National Arbor Day on July 9 was founded by King Father Norodom Sihanouk to promote reforestation and to protect and love nature," he added.

In 2017, Cambodia has held 27 forest festivals; planted trees on more than 462 hectares of land.
=FRESH NEWS