Prey Lang Community Uncovers Widespread Illegal Logging, Calls for Authority Action

Members of the Prey Lang Community Network (PLC) in Preah Vihear province have uncovered widespread illegal logging activities during a four-day forest patrol, urging authorities for swift intervention. The patrol, conducted from July 24 to 27, documented multiple forestry offenses within the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary. The community reported discovering two chainsaws, three tractors, 211 sawn timber planks, and four timber posts, totaling approximately 6.4 cubic meters. Six suspects were apprehended. The patrol also documented 21 freshly cut tree stumps, including valuable species like teal, kokoh, phteak, and doung chem, along with five newly cleared forest plots and one wildlife trapping site. In a separate incident on the night of July 26, PLC members intercepted a truck loading timber in Phneak Roloek village, Thmea commune, Chey Sen district. They alleged the timber and truck belonged to a man identified as Yan Tha. The load comprised 283 timber planks, estimated at 5.6 cubic meters. Community members stated they did not attempt to physically stop the vehicle due to safety concerns. Following contact from a forest activist to Ministry of Environment officials, rangers from the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary seized 50 timber planks later that night and transported them to the Sre Veal ranger station for safekeeping. The ministry announced that the provincial environment department will prepare a case file for referral to the provincial prosecutor. Prey Lang, a vital area for biodiversity, has long struggled with illegal logging. This discovery underscores the persistent challenges in protecting the forest and the crucial role of community-led monitoring.