In a rapidly urbanizing world, the need to balance development with sustainability has never been more urgent. For cities like Phnom Penh, where growth often comes at the cost of green spaces, rethinking how we design our urban environments is essential to building a livable, healthy future. This is why the Italian-Cambodian Business Association (ItaCham) is proud to support initiatives aimed at making Phnom Penh greener—starting with the trees.
Green spaces play a vital role in improving the quality of life in cities. They reduce air pollution, lower urban temperatures, manage stormwater, and promote mental and physical well-being. Most importantly, they help cities become more resilient in the face of climate change. In Phnom Penh, where rapid urbanization continues to shrink natural landscapes, planting trees and restoring green areas is not just a beautification effort—it is a strategic move to ensure the city remains livable for generations to come. Sustainability is a core value of Italy’s national and international agenda. From the adoption of the European Green Deal to promoting circular economy practices and investing in renewable energy, Italy has long demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Italian companies, institutions, and non-profits are actively engaged in sustainable projects around the world, and Cambodia is no exception. As ItaCham, we strive to bring Italian values of innovation and sustainability into the Cambodian context by supporting initiatives that foster environmental awareness, corporate social responsibility, and meaningful cross-border collaboration.
One of the most innovative approaches to urban greening today is the Miyawaki method, named after Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. This technique involves planting a diverse mix of native trees in a small area, designed to mimic natural forest ecosystems. Unlike traditional tree-planting methods, Miyawaki forests grow much faster—reaching maturity in 10 to 20 years instead of 100—and require minimal maintenance after the first few years. These forests are dense, rich in biodiversity, and highly effective at sequestering carbon and improving air quality. They are also excellent tools for community engagement, allowing local residents to participate in building and nurturing green spaces in their neighborhoods. In line with our mission to promote responsible business practices and contribute to Cambodia’s sustainable development, ItaCham recently supported a local tree-planting initiative by OCIC Group, using the Miyawaki method. In 2023, OCIC invested in an initiative to save some of the trees from the former Odom Garden. They have been part of the conservation program of OCIC and will be replanted in the new Koh Pich Garden. This effort brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as local youth, to plant native trees and raise awareness about the importance of urban green spaces. We believe that small, local actions can have a global impact. By supporting projects like this, ItaCham aims not only to enhance the environmental quality of Phnom Penh but also to inspire others to take part in building a greener, healthier city.
Greening our cities is a collective effort. ItaCham remains committed to supporting projects and partnerships that align with our values of sustainability, innovation, and community development. We encourage businesses, institutions, and individuals to join us in creating a future where cities like Phnom Penh are not only centers of economic growth, but also models of ecological harmony. We also thanks OCIC Group for such wonderful initiatives, as well as supporting partners, such as Miss Cosmo Cambodia, CamTech University among others.
Read more on the OCIC Group’s website.
