AKP Phnom Penh, April 30, 2025 --

Coral spawning has been potted for the second time at Cambodia’s Koh Rong. This demonstrates healthy marine environment in the Kingdom and success of collaborative conservation efforts, according to a joint press release AKP received this evening.

Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and supported by Bubbles Up Dive Centre and the Song Saa Foundation, has successfully conducted a mass coral spawning survey at Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, between February and March 2025 during the predicted spawning season. 

“This marks the second year of our team's research into coral spawning in Cambodian waters, following initial discoveries in 2024 and again in 2025. The identification of coral spawning in 2025 underscores the success of collaborative conservation efforts by ministries, institutions, authorities, and relevant organisations,” the press release underlined. 

These initiatives have fostered favourable conditions for the survival of coral reefs in Koh Rong, ensuring their resilience and health despite the impact of the Coral Bleaching Event in 2024, it added.

The team has been closely monitoring the health and conditions of coral reefs in Cambodia's coastal waters to gather and record data on coral reproduction, said the source, stressing that this data serves as a valuable resource for tracking the reproduction and survival processes of coral reefs in the region. 

Ms. Jun Cheng, Senior Programme Manager, Coastal & Marine Conservation Programme of Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme commented, "We are incredibly excited to witness coral spawning at Koh Rong for the second time. " This event underscores the importance of the collaborative conservation works and the need to continue protecting these vital ecosystems." 

H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, remarked: "The coral spawning witnessed in Cambodia's waters for two consecutive years is a powerful symbol of hope a reflection of the thriving natural conditions that sustain coral life, health, and regeneration. This extraordinary event is not merely a natural wonder, it is the living proof of the Royal Government of Cambodia's steadfast dedication, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and in close collaboration with partner ministries, institutions, and sub-national administrations, to safeguard our marine ecosystems for generations to come."

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, remarked: "The coral spawning in Cambodia's waters, which have been discovered for two consecutive years, is a good sign that the status of the marine environment in Cambodia is improving and healthy. This improvement is due to strengthened conservation and monitoring actions that affect the marine environment. Coral conservation and reproduction are important in protecting the marine environment, as corals play an important role in safeguarding marine ecosystems and habitats, increasing economic value through tourism, and supporting sustainable fishing. This demonstrates the success of natural resource conservation and effective environmental management under the leadership of the Head of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as well as the active participation of all relevant sub-national administrations in implementing environmental conservation and development strategies in accordance with the policies of the Royal Government". 

Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme, in good collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries will continue to study and document this phenomenon to better understand the factors contributing to the successful spawning and to support ongoing conservation efforts, concluded the press release. 

By C. Nika