Government Moves Forward with Land Registration in Tonle Sap Lake Region

• Sommana Yan
• 28 May 2025
• Local News
• 1817 Views

In a significant step towards sustainable land management, the Cambodian government convened a joint meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the registration of land in Zone 3 of the flooded forest surrounding Tonle Sap Lake as state property. This initiative involves the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, and the Tonle Sap Authority.

The meeting, led by His Excellency Say Samal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, gathered officials, including His Excellency Tho Jetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, to focus on the crucial project that aims to safeguard the ecological integrity of this vital region.

Spanning six provinces—Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom—the area is strategically divided into three distinct zones. Area 1 encompasses residential areas and rice fields owned legally by citizens, while Area 2 serves as a productive buffer zone for rice cultivation. Area 3, designated as a flooded forest area, is crucial for environmental preservation and is strictly off-limits to development.

During the meeting, officials reviewed maps and established boundaries for these zones. They reported that Area 1 consists of approximately 436,879 hectares, Area 2 encompasses around 413,488 hectares, and the expansive Area 3 covers 561,634 hectares. Notably, the construction of boundary posts in Area 3 has reached completion, with all 1,224 posts successfully installed by December 21, 2024.

Looking ahead, the next phase includes marking the boundaries for Area 2, an essential task in the government’s broader commitment to enhancing environmental protection and sustainable land use in the Tonle Sap region.

This proactive approach underscores the government’s dedication to balancing development with environmental stewardship, as they work towards responsible land management in one of Cambodia’s most significant ecological areas.

• land development and policy
• land registration