AKP Phnom Penh, November 25, 2025 --

The Angkor Botanical Garden is being transformed into a premier centre for conservation and ecological education, emerging as a significant destination for visitors to Cambodia seeking to discover the nation's rich biodiversity beyond the iconic temple ruins of Angkor, the APSARA National Authority announced.

Established in 2022, the 15-hectare garden, managed by the APSARA National Authority, has quickly become a vital sanctuary for rare and endangered flora and fauna. Through strategic development, the garden is now a cornerstone of efforts to preserve Cambodia's natural heritage while providing a robust, educational ecotourism experience.

"The garden is designed as a living museum of Cambodia's botanical wealth," said Mr. Meak Bora, Manager of the Angkor Botanical Garden. "We have cultivated five distinct ecological zones – a medicinal garden, a flower garden, a palm-species garden, a traditional Khmer habitat garden, and a wildlife area – each telling a part of our natural history."

Ongoing enhancements, including the recent addition of dedicated rose and orchid gardens, have elevated the site's appeal, drawing approximately 600,000 domestic and international visitors to date. The garden has maintained a policy of free admission, reinforcing its role as an accessible public resource.

Beyond its function as a picturesque retreat, the garden serves as a critical research and educational hub. It protects numerous plant species previously unknown to the general public, offering students and scientists a living laboratory to study and engage with Cambodia's unique ecosystems.

"This is more than a park; it is a key institution for biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness," Mr. Bora added. "We are cultivating the next generation of conservationists by providing a space where rare species can be observed, studied, and appreciated."

By K. Rithy Reak