Standoff in Areng Valley continues

18 March 2014
The Phnom Penh Post
Civil society / Concessions / Economy and commerce / Environment and natural resources / Environment and natural resources policy and administration / Environmental and biodiversity protection / Environmental impact assessments / Foreign investors / Government / Investment / Land / Land tenure and land titling / Public land lease / Social development
Adhoc / Areng Valley / Chi Phat commune / China Guodian / Chinese aid / Conservation International / Mother Nature Cambodia / Sinohydro (Cambodia) United Ltd / Stung Cheay Areng dam

Seven Chinese nationals were prevented from entering the Areng Valley in Koh Kong province yesterday as locals continued their standoff with the operator of the Stung Cheay Areng dam concession, villagers at the scene said. Ven Vorn, a community leader among those blocking a road used to transport machinery to the site, said that seven employees of Sinohydro (Cambodia) United Ltd attempted to get to the valley disguised as tourists at about 5pm yesterday. … While Sinohydro seems intent on pushing forward with construction after taking over the project earlier this year from China Guodian, it is also preparing an environmental impact assessment (EIA), Toby Eastoe, landscape manager for Conservation International, said yesterday. …

 Phak Seangly and Daniel Pye
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/standoff-areng-valley-continues