The Environment Ministry has approved 13 new community-protected areas in the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cardamom Mountains, conservation NGO Fauna and Flora International announced Nov 21.
Five community-protected areas in Pursat province’s Anlong Reap commune in Veal Veng district were recently approved and eight other areas were created earlier this year in Veal Veng district and Battambang province’s Samlot district, FFI said in a statement.
In community-protected areas, the local population participates in the management of land, natural resources and protected forest, Oum Sony, head of community and environment for FFI’s Cardamom Mountain Wildlife Sanctuaries Project, said Nov 23.
The protected areas, which were established in a joint effort by FFI and the Environment Ministry, would “actively involve the community in protecting forest habitat and reduce the threat of land grab[s],” as well as balance conservation with local livelihood needs, the release said.
“The area will become more safe,” Oum Sony said, adding that communities would be informed aboutland grabbing.and the sustainable use of natural resources.
(Additional reporting by Kim Chan)
