Cambodia Unveils Four Key Measures & New App to Safeguard Over 7m Hectares of Natural Areas

• Sommana Yan
• 14 May 2024
• Local News
• 1448 Views

Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment is set to revolutionise natural resource management with the development of a smartphone application and the implementation of four pivotal measures aimed at enhancing the protection of the country’s 73 protected areas, covering approximately 7.46 million hectares—equivalent to 40% of Cambodia’s total land area.

This announcement was made by HE Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, during the handover ceremony of the protected area map to the sub-national administration on 3 May 2024.

To bolster the management efficiency of these protected regions, the Ministry has outlined four main measures:

1. Strict Law Enforcement: The ministry will enforce natural resource protection laws rigorously, ensuring zero tolerance for natural resource crimes.
2. Collaborative Management: Cooperation will be strengthened with the Capital-Provincial Administrative Unity Command, which oversees the management of natural resources.
3. Security Partnerships: The ministry will work closely with the National Gendarmerie Command and the Anti-Corruption Unit to safeguard natural resources.
4. Afforestation Initiatives: A robust afforestation programme will be promoted, aiming to increase forest cover to 60% by 2050 through extensive tree-planting efforts.

In addition to these measures, the ministry is developing a state-of-the-art smartphone app designed to enhance the management of protected areas. This app will feature advanced capabilities to accurately recognise forest borders and protected areas quickly, without the need for internet access. By eliminating the need for setting up and maintaining physical forest border posts, the app will save both time and money.

To further strengthen the management of these protected areas, the ministry has distributed detailed maps of protected areas to sub-national administrations. This initiative involves 111 municipal administrations across 21 provinces, facilitating improved local management and ensuring the sustainability of these natural resources for future generations.

• Energy and Environment