Pursat: In a concerted effort to fortify the enforcement of the Law on Protected Areas, the Ministry of Environment and the National Commission for the Prevention and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes convened to address crucial strategies in Pursat Province.

Chaired by Minister of Environment, Mr. Eang Sophalleth, and presided over by Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Commander of the National Gendarmerie, and Chairman of the National Commission for the Prevention and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, Mr. Sao Sokha, the meeting took place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Pursat Provincial Hall.

The primary focus of the discussion centered on bolstering the enforcement of laws pertaining to natural resource crimes, including illegal logging, encroachments, and the unlawful clearing and burning of forest lands for ownership purposes within Pursat province.

The Ministry of Environment emphasized its commitment to imposing the strictest measures to combat natural resource crimes, ensuring a zero-tolerance policy with no exceptions, thereby dismantling the culture of impunity surrounding offenders.

Furthermore, there was an emphasis on fostering collaboration with the Capital-Provincial Administrative Unity Command and local authorities, tasked with the meticulous management, prevention, protection, and conservation of natural resources within the region.

In addition to ongoing partnerships with local authorities, the Ministry of Environment proposed further collaboration with the National Gendarmerie Command and the Anti-Corruption Unit, alongside an initiative to promote reforestation efforts aimed at increasing forest cover by 60% by the year 2050.

The concerted efforts underscore a collective commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Pursat Province, ensuring sustainable environmental practices, and safeguarding against the detrimental impacts of illegal activities on the region's ecosystems.