Cambodia’s Land Protection Initiative: Expanding Natural Resource Preserves Over 1m Hectares

• Sommana Yan
• 9 August 2023
• Local News
• 2656 Views

In a resolute move to safeguard the environment and uphold biodiversity, the Cambodian government has embarked on an ambitious endeavor by extending its protected natural resource areas by an astounding 1,347,995 ha; from 2,387,739 ha to 3,735,734 ha. This expansion, encompassing 19 pivotal locations across the nation, reaffirms Cambodia’s commitment to nurturing ecosystems and preserving its natural beauty.

These 19 strategic sites earmarked for preservation include:

1. Monivong “Bokor” National Park: Expanded from 154,458 ha to 156,116 ha in Kampot, Kampong Speu, and Sihanoukville provinces.
2. Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary: Transformed from 23,750 ha to 16,982 ha in Koh Kong province.
3. Multi-use Area: Enhanced from 27,700 ha to 38,628 ha in Koh Kong province.
4. Kep National Park: Enlarged from 1,152 ha to 1,230 ha in Kep province.
5. Koh Kapi Ramsar Site: Expanded from 12,000 ha to 14,029 ha in Koh Kong province.
6. Cardamom Mountain National Park: Spanning 926,123 ha across Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk, and Battambang provinces.
7. Botum Sakor National Park: Adjusted from 171,250 ha to 143,895 ha in Koh Kong province.
8. Phnom Tnaot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary: Strengthened from 42,097 ha to 51,730 ha in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces.
9. O’Yadao National Park: Broadened from 101,348 ha to 105,019 ha in Ratanakkiri province.
10. Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary: Enlarged from 292,690 ha to 317,456 ha in Mondulkiri and Kratie provinces.
11. Vern Sai-Siem Pang National Park: Expanded from 57,469 ha to 280,359 ha in Ratanakkiri and Stung Treng provinces.
12. Angkor Landscape Protected Area: Augmented from 10,800 ha to 13,741 ha in Siem Reap province.
13. Tatai Wildlife Sanctuary: Enhanced from 144,275 ha to 144,539 ha in Koh Kong province.
14. Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary: Extended from 242,500 ha to 265,883 ha in Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and Kampong Thom provinces.
15. Preah Jayavarman-Norodom National Park: Renamed Jayavarman-Norodom National Park “Phnom Kulen” and enlarged from 37,500 ha to 62,883 ha in Siem Reap province.
16. Kulen-Prohm Tep Wildlife Sanctuary: Strengthened from 402,500 ha to 428,971 ha in Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
17. Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary: Broadened from 333,750 ha to 362,384 ha in Pursat, Battambang, and Koh Kong provinces.
18. Vireakchon National Park: Expanded from 332,500 ha to 405,766 ha in Ratanakkiri and Stung Treng provinces.
19. Phnom Oral Wildlife Sanctuary: Modified from 253,750 ha to 258,172 ha in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, and Pursat provinces.

The Ministry of Environment assumes a pivotal role in orchestrating, adapting, and administering the operations of these 19 enhanced natural resource protection areas. Collaborating seamlessly with relevant ministries, institutions, and provincial administrations, this endeavor is aimed at ensuring a harmonious balance between environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource utilization, all guided by existing legislative frameworks.

Simultaneously, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to wildlife conservation by further expanding the Oral Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, both aimed at preserving invaluable wildlife and natural resources. (Read more)

• land development and policy