Environment and natural resources

While Cambodia’s population of greater adjutant storks remains critically low, at just 750. There has been a welcome development at Siem Reap province’s Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). Two chicks which were born at the centre have fledged and are learning to spread ...

A Siem Reap court has sentenced Sy Loeuy, a woodworker and alleged illegal logger, to 12 years in prison for fatally shooting environmental journalist Chhoeung Chhoeng in December. The verdict was handed down on May 28 but had not been previously reported. ...

His Majesty the King has appealed to all Cambodians to work together to promote environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, in order to preserve these valuable assets for future generations. ...

A new initiative, called “WildLeaks”, is now online in Cambodia. It aims to help combat wildlife and natural resource crimes, to protect these valuable assets for future generations. ...

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) yesterday convened an inter-ministerial meeting to explore policy incentives for the restoration of Upper Mekong River, aiming to support sustainable economic development and protect critical water infrastructure​. ...

“Beat Plastic Pollution” is the chosen theme for tomorrow’s National Environment Day, as well as World Environment Day, which also falls on June 5. Cambodia, like the rest of the world, is experiencing rising concerns over the increase and impact of plastic waste. ...

Kubon (Cambodia) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leather processing company in Preah Sihanouk province, has been found to be illegally discharging liquid waste into the natural waterways, causing significant environmental damage and endangering local livelihoods, despite repeated previous warnings from authorities. ...

As part of its commitment to contributing to a global response to climate change, Cambodia has approved the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration – a call for member states and stakeholders of the UN to take action to protect glaciers. ...

For thousands of people living along northeast Cambodia’s Srepok River, upheaval feels inevitable. ...

Cambodia is home to fewer than 100 white-winged ducks, out of an estimated global population of just 800. A recent three-day field survey found only a single individual returning to its roost. ...

NatureLife Cambodia has announced plans to reforest more than 1,700 hectares of land in Mondulkiri province that was illegally cleared. Their operations will be supported by the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ Project. ...

Reaching beyond an entertainment venue, Siem Reap province’s Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium has become a centre for research, rescue and the conservation of many species. ...

A Mekong dolphin calf was spotted in Kratie province on Sunday May 25. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the newborn was about 2 days old. ...

Despite a combination of more than 10 legal complaints landing him in prison for 10 days, Ouk Mao says he not afraid and has not lost his willingness to protect Cambodia’s natural resources. ...

More than 30 factories and companies were identified as improperly discharging liquid waste in the first five months of the year. ...

Environmental journalist Uk Mao, an indigenous minority, pledged to continue protecting the forest and exposing illegal logging activities following his release on bail on Sunday — his determination praised by civil society organizations and press freedom groups. ...

The Ministry of Information has criticized non-governmental organizations and press groups for “pursuing their own political agendas”, portraying negative press freedom in Cambodia, in relation to jailed environmental journalist Uk Mao’s case. The ministry claimed that Mao “violated journalistic ethics”. ...

Ministry of Environment officials have determined that a factory belonging to Tong Kang (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. is polluting the air around it. According to a May 23 statement from the ministry, a furnace at the factory – which produces components or shoes – has adversely ...

Sixteen banteng (Bos javanicus), one of the world’s most critically endangered species, have been successfully relocated to a safe sanctuary, thanks to the use of helicopters. This was the first time this kind of operation has been conducted in Cambodia, reported social enterprise Rising Phoenix ...

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has doubled down on warnings to the owners and operators of factories — especially mango processing plants — that discharge untreated wastewater into clean water sources, threatening that the ministry now has “a sword to strike with”. ...

The Kingdom’s largest tree nursery, located in Kampong Speu province, will be completed by the end of May. Once operational, it will allow the Ministry of Environment to produce up to 10 million tree saplings per year across its five regional nurseries. ...

Online journalist Ouk Mao, who reports on environmental issues and illegal deforestation in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, was charged with incitement and public defamation, the Stung Treng Provincial Court confirmed on May 19. ...

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has issued a warning to environmental officials, informing them that any of them found felling trees for use in infrastructure construction in the Phnom Khnang Phsar area will be removed from their positions. ...

An outspoken environmental activist stays resolute in his efforts to raise awareness of environmental issues despite threats of legal action after exposing illegal logging in a protected area in a northern province of Cambodia. ...