In the early 1990s, I worked in Cambodia with the Mekong Wheelchair Project, supporting people with disabilities. Returning in 2025, I was heartened to see great progress in disability inclusion — but heartbroken by the devastating loss of forests. Over the past 30 years, widespread deforestation has destroyed rural livelihoods and disrupted ecosystems that once supported entire communities.
I have now launched the 30,000 Trees Project, a not-for-profit initiative to help restore Cambodia’s natural environment and strengthen rural food security through education, regeneration, and community action.
What We’re Doing
Our local Khmer team — three dedicated staff and a group of amazing volunteers — will build micro-nurseries in villages, schools, and family gardens.
Each 6m x 6m nursery will include:
- A tree nursery for up to 500 trees
- A composting system
- An organic, wheelchair-accessible vegetable garden
These small but powerful nurseries will teach sustainable vegetable production, native tree cultivation, and self-sufficient composting methods — while producing thousands of trees and fresh food each year.
We’re working in partnership with Karuna Battambang Organisation and Jesuit Services Cambodia, with land provided by the Catholic Mission in Tahen Village, Battambang.
Project Phases
Phase 1 (April–May 2025)
Build the first demonstration micro-nursery in Tahen Village and create educational materials to share the methods.
Phase 2 (June–September 2025)
Expand the existing tree nursery in Tahen from 2,000 to 5,000 trees, creating our main production site.
Phase 3 (October 2025–March 2026)
Replicate the model in:
- Two schools or community spaces
- Two family homes with disabled members
Each micro-nursery will grow 500 trees per year, produce its own compost, and grow a variety of organic fruits and vegetables. Hosts will manage their nurseries sustainably, selling trees and crops to support ongoing costs.
Our circular model buys back one-year-old trees and provides seeds to new hosts — creating an expanding network of community-led nurseries.
Why It Matters
Cambodia has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world — primary forest has dropped from 70% in 1970 to just 3% in 2007 (FAO).
Generations of traditional environmental knowledge have been lost due to war and displacement. This project rebuilds those connections — combining native tree restoration with food resilience education.
The Impact
In schools: Students learn environmental stewardship and practical food cultivation.
In communities: Villages gain tools for food security and ecosystem restoration.
For families with disabilities: Income from tree and vegetable sales breaks the poverty cycle.
Our ultimate goal is to grow 10,000 trees per year — reaching 30,000 trees within three years, while empowering local communities to care for their land and livelihoods.
Where the Trees Go
Native forest trees → Sold to reforestation projects across Cambodia.
Fruit trees → Donated to schoolchildren to plant at home.
Rare and medicinal species → Given to community and spiritual sites.
How You Can Help
Your support will help us:
- Build the first micro-nursery
- Pay local staff and volunteers
- Provide seeds, tools, and educational materials
- Expand to schools and communities
Every £10 plants and nurtures ten new trees. Every contribution helps us in our mission of restoring forests, strengthening communities, and brings us closer to a thriving landscape of 30,000 trees.
Our Roots
30,000 Trees is a registered not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) in the UK. Company Number: 16289494
The first trees of the project were planted in January 2025 at the Cambodian Peace Gallery Garden in Battambang — by the Bishop of Battambang and our local team.
Organizer
Simon Gue
Organizer