Gov’t Seizes 40,000 Hectares of Forest Land in 1,500 Mountain Area to Reserve for Scenic Beauty & Eco-Tourism

• Sommana Yan
• 28 June 2024
• Local News
• 2458 Views

The Veal Veng district administration in Pursat province has confiscated approximately 40,000 hectares of forest land in the area of the 1,500 mountains, previously cleared by individuals intending to use it for private eco-tourism projects. This announcement was made by Mr Mom Bophan, Deputy Governor of Veal Veng District, during the receipt of 20,000 seedlings from the Wildlife Alliance on 23 June 2024.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has stated that the clearing of land and forest along “Antang Ang Road” and “Bopha Lak Khloun Road” on the 1,500 mountains in Veal Veng district, Pursat province, will not be permitted for other developments such as tourist resorts, restaurants, or toilets. Instead, the area will be preserved for tourists to enjoy its scenic beauty. (Read more)

Additionally, the district administration is preparing the 1,500 mountainous areas to become attractive tourist destinations for both national and international tourists by planting an additional 20,000 mixed trees, such as Thnong, Kronhung, Beng, Neang Nuon, Phteah, Koki, and Chheuteal.

The proceeds from the Wildlife Alliance will be used to replant the cleared areas. Mr. Mom Bophan also appealed to the Wildlife Alliance to collaborate with the authorities to find a solution to curb deforestation and land encroachment in the Veal Veng district, especially in the 1,500 mountainous area, as there is a value in the land that motivates illegal logging and land grabbing.