On Sunday, 17 August 2025, Hun Sen Wat Truey Koh Primary School in Kampot became the newest site for the Greenspots: Climate-Resilient Schools Project, further strengthening efforts to integrate environmental resilience into Cambodia’s education system. The activity was implemented with the support of the Education for Rural Community Organization (ERCO), and brought together fewer than 50 participants, including representatives from the Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sport, the Provincial Department of Environment, the Municipality Office of Education, school principals, teachers, students, members of the School Management Committee, monks, and local community members.
The day began with an awareness session highlighting the importance of tree planting and proper waste management. Speakers from education, environment, and community institutions emphasized that even small steps at the school level contribute to broader climate resilience, healthier learning conditions, and stronger environmental stewardship for future generations.
Following the discussions, participants eagerly joined students in planting 80 new trees within a rounded area measuring three meters in diameter. Teachers specifically selected species of native luxury wood, acknowledging the rarity of these trees in Cambodia’s landscapes today. The activity not only enriched the school environment but also offered students a chance to connect with their country’s natural heritage and learn practical skills in environmental care.
To secure the long-term survival of the newly planted forest, the project will establish a watering system and protective fencing, ensuring the young trees can grow safely and sustainably. This infrastructure reflects Greenspots’ commitment to building models of climate-resilient schools that are practical, durable, and community-owned.
For the school principal, the event carried special personal meaning. He recalled how in 2010, NEP collaborated with foreign volunteers to establish a six-meter round garden filled with flowers and an aquarium. Over time, that garden flourished into a mini-forest of native trees, now serving as a shaded learning space and a natural refuge for students. Reflecting on this history, he shared with pride: “Seeing that, I am happy to have another mini forest.”
This new Greenspots mini-forest represents more than shade and cooling—it will nurture life skills among students, including teamwork, responsibility, and environmental awareness. Teachers plan to incorporate the space into lessons, using it as a living classroom where students can explore science, ecology, and the values of sustainability.
As part of the wider Greenspots initiative, Hun Sen Wat Truey Koh Primary School now joins a growing network of schools across Cambodia that are greening their campuses, improving resilience to climate change, and inspiring young learners to take ownership of their environment. The commitment of the school community to care for these trees ensures that the planting of today will indeed grow into the legacy of tomorrow.
