SIHANOUKVILLE: Seven islands off the coast of Sihanoukville have been officially designated as Koh Rong Marine National Park in what the government says is an effort to ensure the preservation and protection of natural beauty, culture, ecosystem and biodiversity of the islands and surrounding seas.

The seven islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Koun, Toch, Ta Team, Mnas Krao and Mnas Knong) encompass a total of 52,448 hectares, of which 5,311 hectares is land and 47,137 hectares is water. The area is now officially state-owned with the exception of private property that is already established.

The Ministry of Environment says the move is meant to provide natural products and services for sustainable use, maintain environmental stability, protect and conserve natural resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation and natural disaster risk. In particular, the aim is to promote the participation of local communities and the public in contributing to the management, protection and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources in the region.

A sub-decree on the matter states that the Ministry of Environment must determine and allocate to clear the investment area, residential land, farmland and actual land enjoyed by the people on the within Koh Rong Island Marine National Park in accordance with the law on protected areas.