AKP Phnom Penh, November 11, 2025 --  The Ministry of Environment will hold the 5th National Kesor Kol (Forest Orchid) Forum on Nov. 26 to showcase Cambodia’s rich diversity of forest orchids and inspire public participation in nature conservation.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry on Nov. 11, the event will be presided over by H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment.

“The 5th National Orchid Forum will be a great opportunity to highlight Cambodia’s rich forest orchid biodiversity and to encourage people to love nature and take part in the conservation of these precious flowers,” the statement underlined.

The upcoming forum aims to raise public awareness about the various kinds of forest orchids and encourage conservation and cultivation for home decoration, community trade, and export purposes.

This year’s National Kesor Kol Forum will also include a drawing competition open to participants aged between 18 and 35. Entries must be A3-size watercolour paintings and submitted before Nov. 20, 2025.

Cambodia has established the Kesor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Centre to preserve orchid seeds. To date, the centre has collected about 5,000 orchid samples from Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot, Preah Vihear, and Siem Reap provinces.

The centre estimates that Cambodia may have between 500 and 1,000 species of orchids.

By Phal Sophanith