The Natural Resource and Wildlife Preservation Organization, a conservation organisation in Kampong Speu, pledged yesterday to file a letter of complaint to authorities after learning that 6 hectares of protected forestland were cleared illegally.

The group plans to file the letter to Koh Kong provincial authorities on Thursday, asking them to intervene to stop the clearance of land in Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong.

Chea Hean, the head of the organisation, confirmed that around 6 hectares of land had been cleared with chainsaws and vehicles. Organisation representatives did not see the loggers in action, and suspected that they may have taken a break.

“The protected area was cleared around 10 days ago. Some of the clearing was done by tractors and some spots were burnt,” Hean said. “After the Khmer New Year the clearing might continue.”

Chea Sam Ang, general director of natural resources preservation at the Ministry of Environment, declined to comment and directed questions to the provincial department of environment, where officials could not be reached.