On 26 February 2026, the Inauguration Ceremony of the ASEAN–Korea Garden was successfully held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, marking the official commencement of the AFoCO project “Establishment of the ASEAN–Korea Garden” (AFoCO/036/2022).
The ceremony was conducted together with the inauguration of the Korea Forest Service (KFS) Recreational Forest located adjacent to the ASEAN–Korea Garden site, highlighting strengthened cooperation among participating institutions in promoting sustainable forest landscapes and biodiversity conservation in Cambodia.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from both the Republic of Korea and Cambodia, including representatives from the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), Korea Forest Service (KFS), Korea Forest Welfare Institute (FoWI), the Cambodia Association of Construction Project Managers (CACPM), the Forestry Administration (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Governor of Siem Reap Province, and other relevant government officials.
In addition, representatives of key stakeholders involved in the implementation and management of the project were present at the event. These included local forest guards and members of the surrounding communities in the project area, as well as representatives from local authorities of Khun Ream Commune and Banteay Srey District. Participants also included representatives from universities, research institutions, and educational organizations supporting the project, demonstrating a broad collaborative framework among multiple stakeholders for the successful implementation and long-term management of the ASEAN–Korea Garden.
On behalf of AFoCO, Dr. Chien delivered congratulatory remarks, expressing his sincere congratulations on the successful inauguration of the ASEAN–Korea Garden. He noted that the ceremony represents an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea in the fields of forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education.
He emphasized that the ASEAN–Korea Garden represents not only a landscape development initiative but also a meaningful platform for regional collaboration that reflects shared commitments to sustainable forest management and ecological conservation. He further highlighted the importance of maintaining strong partnerships among participating institutions, local authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure the effective management and long-term sustainability of the garden.
Dr. Chien also reaffirmed AFoCO’s continued commitment to supporting the project and strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable forest landscapes across ASEAN.
The ASEAN–Korea Garden is being established under the AFoCO project “Establishment of the ASEAN–Korea Garden” (AFoCO/036/2022). The project is implemented by the Forestry Administration (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in cooperation with a selected construction agency, under the technical guidance of the Korea Arboretum and Gardens Institute (KoAGI) of the Republic of Korea.
The project aims to promote human well-being while conserving threatened tree and plant species through the establishment of the ASEAN–Korea Garden. It also seeks to promote educational and awareness programs on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation, while facilitating knowledge sharing across the ASEAN region. In addition, the initiative aims to develop linkages with the tourism sector and establish sustainable financial planning mechanisms to ensure the long-term operation and management of the garden.
The construction of the garden was completed in April 2025. The garden has a total of 10 main sections, including the entrance, Siam Tulip Garden, Wild Grass Garden, Wetland Garden. Rosewood Reserve Garden, Fragrant Garden, Lawn Field, Rock Garden, Water Lilies and Phnom Garden, and parking zone. The FA reported that there are 15 on-site personnel working to maintain the garden (5 FA triage officials, and 10 non-FA personnel).
The ASEAN–Korea Garden is located in Khna Rongveas village, Khun Ream Commune, Banteay Srey District in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. The site is situated within the Prey Chamka Kranhoung forest area, adjacent to the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity and the Kbal Spean waterfall, an important Angkorian heritage site.
The location is approximately 20 minutes by car from Banteay Srei Temple, one of the most popular Angkorian temples, and about 80 kilometers (approximately 1.5 hours) from Siem Reap International Airport. Siem Reap receives millions of visitors annually who come to explore Angkor Wat and other cultural heritage sites, making the area an important destination where visitors can appreciate both natural landscapes and historical heritage.
The project site is categorized as a forest reserve area under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The forest is dominated by Dalbergia cochinchinensis, an endangered tree species with a large number of high-quality individuals. As such, the area plays a critical role as a seed source site for the conservation and reintroduction of this species across Cambodia.
Currently, the site is managed by the Forestry Administration under the supervision of the MAFF. The Siem Reap Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Forestry Administration Cantonment oversee the management of the area with operational support from the Banteay Srey Forestry Administration Division. Local governments also support forest protection efforts by providing armed officers to assist Forestry Administration staff in safeguarding forest resources in the area.
With the successful inauguration completed, the project will now move into its operational phase, focusing on effective management and long-term sustainability of the ASEAN–Korea Garden. Through this initiative, the garden is expected to serve as a key platform for promoting biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and sustainable tourism, while further strengthening cooperation between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea in the forestry sector.
→ For the latest information, please refer to the following links:
PROJECT OVERVIEW – AFOCO/036/2022
Establishment of ASEAN-Korea Garden in Cambodia
Project Duration & Budget : 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025 / US$ 2,000,000 (AFoCO: US$ 1,801,625; National: US$ 198,375)
Implementing Agency : Forestry Administration (FA), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and selected construction agency under the guidance of the Korea Arboretum and Gardens Institute (KoAGI) of the Republic of Korea
Project Sites : Khun Ream Commune, Bantey Srey District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Contributed by Ms. Sungmin Kim (Assistant Program Officer)