SIEM REAP: Some 3,000 saplings have recently been planted in the Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap province, to help increase green cover to attract tourists.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the tree planting ceremony, organised by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) in collaboration with Manulife Cambodia, was presided over by H.E. Dr. Hang Poeu, Director General of ANA. Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Hang Peou highlighted the significant contribution of trees in protecting ancient temples from strong winds, environmental toxins, and heatwaves.

Planting trees creates a green belt around ancient temples and saves Angkor, the heritage of humanity, not only Cambodia, he said. The ANA director general also highly appreciated the participation of Manulife, a leading insurance company, in preserving Angkor.

Since 2004, ANA has planted more than 2 million saplings in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 16th Meeting of the World Heritage Commi
ttee held on Dec. 14, 1992, in Santa Fe, USA.