Cambodia Marks Ranger Day, Honoring Conservation Officers' Dedication and Sacrifice

The Ministry of Environment on July 31 marked World Ranger Day with a ceremony to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of Cambodia’s park rangers in protecting the country’s forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. Staged with Conservation International (CI) Cambodia and several other partner organizations and stakeholders, the event took place in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary’s Preah Athit ranger station, in Kampong Thom province. Themed “Rangers: Protecting Nature in a Changing World – Well-being and Voluntary Commitment,” this year’s celebrations highlighted the contribution of rangers to protected area management, combating natural resource crimes, biodiversity monitoring, wildfire prevention, environmental education and collaboration with local communities. World Ranger Day is observed annually on July 31 to honour the service and sacrifice of park rangers around the world. Environment minister Eang Sophalleth addressed the event. He explained how investing in the well-being, professional development and operational support of rangers is essential as Cambodia works towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. “Park rangers are the guardians of Cambodia’s invaluable natural heritage. Every day, they carry out their duties with great dedication to protect our forests, wildlife and biodiversity for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he said. The minister thanked rangers across the country for their commitment and service in safeguarding Cambodia’s natural resources. Cambodia has steadily expanded its protected area network over the past two decades, increasing from 23 protected areas in 1999 to 73 in 2026. They now cover more than 7 million hectares, or approximately 39 per cent of the Kingdom’s land area. According to the ministry, protected areas play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, strengthening climate resilience, supporting community livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic development. The ministry noted that improving ranger welfare, safety and technical capacity remains critical to ensuring effective conservation in the face of climate change and increasingly complex environmental challenges. The event also highlighted the implementation of the ministry’s Environmental Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which aims to strengthen protected area management, increase public participation and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Sony Oum, country director of CI Cambodia, said the organisation is proud to work alongside the ministry and other partners to strengthen ranger’s welfare and professional capabilities, while promoting conservation that respects both the law and human rights. “Successful conservation begins with positive action by both people and nature. Park rangers are indispensable frontline conservation officers who work under challenging conditions to protect Cambodia’s natural heritage,” he said. As a long-standing conservation partner, CI Cambodia said it will continue working with the ministry, local communities, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders to strengthen protected area management, conserve biodiversity, build community resilience and support sustainable livelihoods. Park ranger Mun Phors said the profession is more than simply a job. “Being a park ranger is a commitment to protecting our forests, wildlife and the future of our country and its people. Every patrol presents new challenges, but it also reminds us that this is an honourable profession. Recognition and support for our well-being give us the motivation to continue carrying out our mission with pride,” she said.