PURSAT: The Ministry of Environment joined with wildlife conservation organizations and other related partners to bring the second phase of the “Zero Traps in Cambodia’s Protected Areas” campaign to Pursat province on 7 April 2023.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the consequences of wildlife trapping, wildlife trafficking and wildlife consumption, which pose a risk to public health and the loss of natural resources and biodiversity.

The Ministry of Environment launched phase two of the campaign on 3 March and plans to cover Pursat Province before continuing to the provinces of Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Siem Reap, Battambang and Pailin. These six provinces cover large areas of protected areas and are rich in biodiversity, giving home to rare species such as elephants, rhinos and bears.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the campaign will also continue to spread the word about the need to conserve Cambodia's rich wildlife and natural resources to support sustainable development.

Phase one of the Zero Trap Campaign was launched in 2022 and covered Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Kampong Thom and Ratanakkiri provinces with great success. Over the last year, 52 restaurants in the campaign’s six target provinces were certified for not selling bush meat and they received environmental commendation certificates from the Ministry of Environment for their commitment to eliminating the illegal wildlife trade