Cambodia Creates Three Major New Protected Forests

Cambodia now has a total of 27 protected areas covering 4.3 million hectares, or 23.9% of Cambodia.

In July Prime Minister Hun Sen finalized the designation of three new protected forests. These forests were originally conceptualized by the Dept of Forestry and Wildlife in 1999, and final approval marks a significant milestone in Cambodia conservation. The community wildlife ranger program has been monitoring in and around these three forests since June 2000, and is still the only organization with field offices in all three regions.

The Mondulkiri Protected Forest, at 429,438 hectares, becomes the largest protected area in Cambodia. Located in the east of the country, it borders on Lomphat, Phnom Prich, and Nam Lear Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Yok Don National Park in Vietnam, resulting in one of the largest protected areas mosaic on mainland Southeast Asia at 1,009,938 hectares.

The Cardamom Protected forest, at 401,313 hectares, results in another immense protected area complex. Located in the southwest of the country, it borders on Phnom Samkos and Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuaries, resulting in an interconnected matrix of protected areas totalling 988,813 hectares. Additional protected forests in the Cardamoms are under consideration by DFW, and the size of this complex could increase significantly over the next year or two.

The Preah Vihear Protected Forest is 190,027 hectares. All three forests and surrounding lands are critically important for conservation, regardless of size. Each derives its importance from a unique combination of biodiversity factors. The challenge now will be to follow up the designations with effective protection and conservation measures.