Kampong Thom Resource Crimes Plummet; Illegal Fishing Down 70%

Cambodian authorities have made significant strides in combating natural resource crimes in Kampong Thom province, with over 4,300 hectares of illegally encroached forest land reclaimed and illegal fishing activities plummeting by an estimated 70-80 percent over the past two years, according to the Royal Cambodian Army. Speaking at a July 8 review of the provincial unified command’s natural resource crime efforts, Som Sun, commander of the Kampong Thom Sub-Military Operations Zone and permanent deputy chairman of the provincial committee for the prevention and suppression of natural resource crimes, outlined the committee’s achievements. Sun reported that the provincial joint task force had identified and reclaimed more than 4,300 hectares of state forest land that had been illegally cleared and occupied across 339 separate locations. The reclaimed land is now being protected by the authorities to allow natural forests to regenerate, and measures are in place to prevent further encroachment. Progress in combating illegal fishing, particularly in the Tonle Sap Lake area, including Phat Sanday commune in Kampong Svay district and Peam Bang commune in Stoung district, was also highlighted. Sun estimated that illegal fishing offenses in the province have declined by 70-80 percent, attributing this improvement to strengthened enforcement by the joint task force. Authorities are continuing to protect fish conservation zones and have intensified patrols and crackdowns during the current closed fishing season. Sun added that fish stocks have shown gradual signs of recovery this year, with catches increasing across many areas. Kampong Thom provincial governor Nuon Pharat, who chairs the Provincial Unified Command, praised the joint forces for their efforts in protecting natural resources and suppressing environmental crimes. He instructed district and municipal authorities in the six administrative units south of National Road 6 to prevent any new encroachment in Zone 3, while officials north of the highway were ordered to work closely with relevant local authorities to combat illegal logging and prevent further occupation of state forest land. Som Sun also called on local authorities, the armed forces, and relevant government agencies to strengthen cooperation in eliminating illegal barrier nets and all forms of illegal fishing, while ensuring fish conservation areas remain protected throughout the closed fishing season to allow fish populations to breed and recover.