AKP Phnom Penh, July 13, 2025 —

Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with sub-national and provincial authorities, is deploying advanced technology to bolster efforts in safeguarding the nation's natural resources for future generations.

H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, today commended ministry officials and local authorities for their robust cooperation in enforcing environmental laws and utilising modern technology to combat environmental crimes within protected areas.

"Our environment officers are actively patrolling protected areas, using satellite maps provided by the ministry and deploying drones to monitor real-time conditions on the ground," said H.E. Dr. Sophalleth. "These measures are crucial for strengthening natural resource management and biodiversity conservation across Cambodia."

Evidence of these efforts was seen on July 11, when rangers from the Sre Veal and Phnom Kon Khcher outposts in Preah Vihear province conducted field inspections of suspected illegal land clearing sites identified through satellite imagery. In Sre Veal, authorities uncovered a five-year-old illegal clearing spanning approximately one hectare. Similarly, in Prey Reang, Thmea commune, Chey Sen district, a two-year-old site measuring around 0.8 hectares was discovered.

The Ministry of Environment is committed to a multi-faceted approach to protecting natural resources, which includes: Strict Law Enforcement: Ensuring 100% application of the law against natural resource offenders; Strengthened Cooperation: Fostering close collaboration with provincial administrations, anti-corruption units, and the Royal Gendarmerie to prevent, protect, and conserve natural resources in protected areas; Technical Support: Providing drones to all provincial departments and satellite maps to sub-national administrations to enhance monitoring and enforcement activities; Community Livelihood Promotion: Supporting communities in protected areas through green development initiatives and reforestation efforts. 

These initiatives aim to increase forest cover, mitigate climate change, and contribute to Cambodia’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Ministry reaffirms that the integration of advanced technology and community engagement will remain central to Cambodia’s efforts to protect its natural heritage while promoting sustainable development.

By K. Rithy Reak