Ministry of Environment Launches Measures to Prevent Natural Resource Crimes

October 17th, 2023 – In a concerted effort to prioritize environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Environment in Cambodia is taking steps to tackle natural resource crimes, ensuring the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources. This initiative is in alignment with the first phase of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Pentagon Strategy, which emphasizes the significance of sustainability, employment growth, equity, and efficiency.

The Ministry of Environment has identified four essential measures aimed at the effective management of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable development. Here are the key highlights:

1) Zero Tolerance for Natural Resource Crimes:
The Ministry is committed to ensuring the full enforcement of relevant laws, aiming to eradicate the existing culture of providing education, guidance, and leniency to individuals engaged in natural resource crimes. This firm stance intends to deter and penalize perpetrators and prevent further environmental damage.

2) Collaborative Approach with Local Authorities:
In a bid to prevent natural resource crimes, the Ministry is fostering close cooperation with the Capital-Provincial Administrative Unity Command, particularly local authorities operating in protected areas. This partnership will bolster efforts to safeguard these vital ecological zones.

3) Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement:
The Ministry of Environment is reinforcing its efforts against natural resource crimes through cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Unit and the National Gendarmerie Command. This collaboration with law enforcement agencies, coupled with the ongoing partnership with local authorities, promises a robust response to environmental violations.

4) Reforestation and Sustainable Forest Management:
To ensure the sustainability of Cambodia’s natural resources, the Ministry is focusing on planting more trees than are cut down. A core goal that aligns with the aforementioned Pentagon Strategy is the promotion of reforestation as a top priority. The goal is to increase forest cover by 60% by the year 2050. This will not only aid in environmental conservation but also improve the livelihoods of local communities. As part of this plan, the Ministry of Environment has initiated a tree-planting campaign that commenced on October 10th, with the aim of planting at least 1 million trees annually from 2024.

Dr. Eang Sophalleth, the Minister of Environment, welcomed and encouraged both local and foreign partner organizations to collaborate in this endeavor. This collective effort aims to expand forest cover through tree planting. The Minister emphasized the importance of trees with high economic value, which provide sources of food and opportunities for selling. This initiative not only safeguards and preserves our forests but also makes a substantial contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts.

The Ministry of Environment’s multifaceted approach demonstrates the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to sustainability by emphasizing the critical role of preserving natural resources and biodiversity in the quest for a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable future. By launching these measures, Cambodia is taking a significant step toward environmental conservation and the protection of its unique natural heritage.