Sok Lou, the governor of Battambang province, has launched the "One House, One Tree" initiative with the aim of enhancing the town's aesthetic appeal, renowned for its French colonial architecture, and attracting a larger number of tourists.

Lou made the announcement on social media on February 7, revealing that the campaign is scheduled to commence in June.

"The 'One House, One Tree' initiative will kick off in Battambang town initially. We stand in unity for Battambang," he declared.

Chhay Martinal, the deputy provincial governor, disclosed on February 8 that authorities are currently identifying specific streets for the initiative and preparing young trees for the program.

He explained that the campaign is anticipated to begin during the rainy season, around June, as the existing dry season poses challenges for the survival of young trees.

"The primary objective of the tree planting initiative is to showcase the beauty of Battambang town, create a pristine, verdant environment with ample shade, and entice a greater number of visitors to the province," he stated.

According to Martinal, the governor has selected ornamental and high-quality trees such as koki (Hopea odorata), beng (Afzelia xylocarpa), and thnong (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) for the planting process.

Chhay Sivlin, the president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), commended the initiative as an outstanding method for preserving the town's beauty and establishing an environment that safeguards the well-being of the province's residents while also attracting tourists.

"Whether it involves infrastructure development, enhancement of public parks, or tree planting, positive actions will contribute to drawing both domestic and international tourists. Furthermore, Battambang is a province with numerous cultural and historical attractions," she expressed.

"This initiative will transform Battambang into a lush town with abundant cool shade for the people. Tourists, whether domestic or foreign, appreciate a clean environment and plenty of greenery," she added.

As a tourism insider, she believes that other provinces should strive to make their towns and districts green. Given Cambodia's warm climate, the planting of more trees would offer significant benefits, not only for the environment but also for the economic growth of the province.

In 2023, Battambang became the inaugural Cambodian town to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) due to its distinctive cuisine.