A Korean company has been given the go-ahead to invest in a large scale development project in Kampot province’s Bokor National Park, although an interministerial committee has not yet finished developing a plan for the protected area, officials said Wednesday.
Environment Minister Mok Mareth signed off on the deal on Oct 14 and one of the minister’s close aides said Hwang Won Remilon/Asscon Industrial Co Ltd had already made a $600,000 deposit on the development project.
Mok Mareth could not be reached for comment.
The park’s director, Chey Yuthearith, said the Korean company will invest in the construction of roads, resorts and, on a lower hill in the park, a World Buddhism Center that will serve as a retreat for Buddhists from around the world.
Chey Yuthearith said the development will help protect the park by providing economic opportunities for local villagers who will no longer need to live off the forest.
Thong Khon, secretary of state for the Tourism Ministry, said Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh signed an order forming the interministerial committee last month.
“We need to have a master plan before we sell our plan to the private sector to invest,” Thong Khon said. “If we don’t have a master plan, it is like we have no clue whether they are doing it right.”
Touch Seang Tana, a member of the Council of Ministers’ social, economic and cultural observation unit, said the government has been trying to lure investors into developing the area.
Opposition lawmaker Son Chhay blasted the investment plan.
“If we build any building or town inside the park, then the national park is no longer a national park,” he said. “This deal is risky and it is inviting land grabbing by powerful people in the park more than development in the area.”
