2000 hectares over six mountain resorts in Banteay Meanchey granted natural heritage status

• 28 May 2020
• Local News
• 5248 Views

The Royal Government of Cambodia has granted natural heritage status to six mountain resorts in Banteay Meanchey spread over a total area of ​​2000 hectares via six separate sub-decrees dated 25 May 2020 signed by Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia.

“The Royal Government’s sub-decrees to transform these six mountain resorts into mountain natural heritage sites marks our high consideration on the history, culture, conservation of biodiversity, the livelihood of the people and tourism in those areas,” according to Mr Leung Kesaro, Director of Heritage Department of Ministry of Environment, in an interview with Construction & Property Magazine on May 272020.

He described the six natural heritage sites as:

1. Phnom Preh-Phnom Veng natural heritage site on 1500 hectares located in ThmaPuok commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province.
2. Phnom Yeay Som natural heritage site on 416 hectares located in Toul Pongro commune, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province.
3. Phnom Bak natural heritage site on 36 hectares located in Sangkat Tuek Thla, Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey province.
4. Phnom Chanhchang natural heritage site on 19 hectares located in Sangkat Tuek Thla, Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey province.
5. Phnom Svay natural heritage sit on 16 hectares located in Sangkat Ou Ambel, Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey province.
6. Phnom Preah Netr Preah natural heritage sit on 13 hectares located in Preah Netr Preah commune, Preah Netr Preah district, Banteay Meanchey province.

“The introduction of these sub-decrees did not result in the encroachment of the villagers’ lands. People are in favour of our action because it is a common interest for us all,” continued Kesoro.

Kesaro added that in the future, the Ministry of Environment will further promote and call on all stakeholders to take care of those natural heritage areas, especially the forests and wildlife.

Notably, at the same time, the government has decided to declare two mountain resorts as natural heritage sites with a total area of ​​more than 400 hectares in Battambang province.

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