Despite growing body of evidence, officials reject deforestation claims

Cambodian officials have defended the government’s record on the forestry sector, despite the publication this year of several substantive reports alleging that deforestation is accelerating due to policy failures. …

In response, Sophalleth echoed previous comments by the prime minister, insisting that once deforested land is replanted with rubber trees, it can once again be considered as forest cover. Environmentalists flatly reject this idea, insisting that the monoculture of rubber plantations is not comparable to the rich biodiversity of natural forests. …

Aun Chhengpor
http://www.voacambodia.com/content/despite-growing-body-of-evidence-officials-reject-deforestation-claims/3018682.html