Cambodia Installs Solar Irrigation at Tbong Khmum Nursery

In a landmark public-private partnership, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and Coca-Cola Cambodia are advancing the nation’s environmental agenda by equipping its first-ever regional nursery with a solar-powered irrigation system. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed around June 19, 2024, signaling a joint commitment to sustainable agriculture and conservation.

A Model for National Reforestation with Cambodia Installs Solar Irrigation at Tbong Khmum Nursery

Located in the Preah Theat commune of Ou Raing Ov district, the Tbong Khmum nursery is a groundbreaking initiative for the country. Spanning over three hectares, this facility is designed to produce between 1 and 1.2 million seedlings annually. This site serves as the flagship for a broader national plan that includes establishing four additional nurseries in Siem Reap, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, and Mondulkiri. Collectively, these five sites are expected to generate at least 10 million seedlings each year to support Cambodia’s ambitious reforestation efforts.

The installation of a solar-powered automatic irrigation system is critical to the nursery’s success. By harnessing clean solar energy, the project ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for the young plants, allowing the nursery to operate at peak capacity with minimal environmental impact. This technological integration is a key component of the nation’s Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028 and directly supports the goal of achieving 60 percent forest cover by 2050.

Fostering Green Growth and Community Action at Cambodia Installs Solar Irrigation at Tbong Khmum Nursery

During the MOU signing ceremony, Minister of Environment Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasized the project’s significance, confirming that construction plans are finalized and work is scheduled to commence. This partnership exemplifies how government and corporate collaboration can drive tangible environmental progress and contribute to Cambodia’s carbon neutrality goals.

To further engage the public, the Ministry has launched a ‘Green Sprouts’ campaign, which will distribute free timber seedlings to citizens. This initiative encourages Cambodians to actively participate in greening their communities by planting trees at homes, schools, and public lands. Beyond its environmental merits, the nursery project is set to deliver significant economic and community benefits, creating local jobs in construction and maintenance while fostering a national culture of environmental stewardship.

Sources for Cambodia Installs Solar Irrigation at Tbong Khmum Nursery

1. Cambodia’s First Regional Nursery Nears 20% Completion …
2. Cambodian Gov’t Breaks Ground on 3-Hectare Nursery in Tbong …
3. Kingdom to Launch First Regional Nursery with Solar-Powered …
4. Cambodia’s largest ” Plant Nursery” is set to be in Tbong Khmum …
5. Cambodia’s Ministry Of Environment And Coca-Cola … – SolarQuarter
6. [PDF] Cambodia Accelerating Inclusive Markets for Smallholders … – IFAD
7. Thbong Khmum to Become Home of Cambodia’s Largest Nursery
8. Cambodia plan to establish large-scale seedling nurseries across 5 …