Phnom Penh, March 18, 2024 - The Ministry of Environment recently reported a significant operation in Pursat province that resulted in the confiscation of nearly 4,000 hectares of land and the arrest of a suspect. From March 13 to 17, 2024, a total of 789 personnel, spread across 10 groups, launched a crackdown on natural resource crimes, culminating in the intervention on 3,942.73 hectares and the detention of one individual at the Pursat Provincial Court.
The operation's initial review occurred on April 17, 2024, at the Veal Veng District Hall in Pursat Province. The event saw the participation of Chay Samith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, alongside representatives from the National Police, the National Gendarmerie, provincial and local authorities, and other relevant professionals. This collective effort underscores the Cambodian government's directive to reinforce natural resource management across the nation.
This crackdown is a direct response to orders from the Ministry of Environment and the National Commission for the Prevention and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes. The operation aligns with the Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy, which emphasizes sustainable development and the meticulous management of natural resources, heritage, culture, and tourism.
Moreover, during the Angkor Plenary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 15, 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the importance of vigilant natural resource management and protection, especially of forests, to prevent exploitation and destruction.
The Ministry of Environment has adopted stringent measures to combat environmental crimes, ensuring law enforcement without exceptions and terminating the practice of impunity for offenders. The strategy includes enhanced cooperation with the Capital and Provincial Administrative Unity Command, the local authorities, and ongoing collaboration with the National Gendarmerie Command and the Anti-Corruption Unit.
A significant part of the ministry's strategy is to promote reforestation efforts, aiming to increase the country's forest cover to 60% by 2050. These initiatives represent Cambodia's dedication to a clean, green, and sustainable environmental future.
