Lawmakers Wednesday approved a new chapter in a bill designed to conserve Cambodia’s dwindling wildlife as debate on the legislation reached its 11th day.
Parliamentarians approved Chapter 10 of the proposed forestry law that makes “all wildlife in Cambodia” property of the state and makes it an offense to hunt, harm or harass all wildlife,” during the off-season, in protected preserves or with “dangerous methods,” according to a copy of the bill given to the media.
The chapter passed, 83-2.
The bill prohibits hunting, trapping or poisoning protected wildlife, owning or keeping private zoos, transporting, trading or doing anything to “harass or harm” protected species.
The bill, however, allows Cambodians to kill protected animals if they can show the animals were killed in self-defense.
Protected animals include the Asian elephant, the Siamese crocodile and some species of tigers. Although the law would permit crocodile farms, it would prohibit the taking of crocodiles from the wild, said Chan Tong Yves, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry secretary of state.
If the law is properly enforced and the endangered species make a comeback, the government may revise the law to allow hunting zones for poor Cambodians, Chan Tong Yves said.
The bill, drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, has 18 chapters. It is designed to clarify and reduce the stripping of Cambodia’s once abundant natural resources.
The draft legislation was prompted in part by ongoing international pressure from Cambodia’s foreign donors and conservation activists, who say the government has allowed corporations to poach Cambodia’s wildlife and timber.
During debate on the chapter, Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Son Chhay called for stiffer penalties for those caught poaching.
“Right now, the situation with the wildlife trade has been rampant, so the government needs to put steep penalties on those who hunt,” Son Chhay said.
