Authorities in Tbong Khmum, Kratie and Pursat provinces have reiterated warnings to residents and officials against encroachment on flooded forest land and natural resource areas, stating that legal action and potential dismissal from work will follow if the practice continues.

Tbong Khmum governor Cheam Chan Sophorn issued the reminder during his visit to provide food and financial support to the joint forces stationed to prevent the clearing of flooded forest land in various areas of Kroch Chhmar district on March 9.

“Please do not continue to purchase and sell land of unclear source or ownership, as it is illegal. If I find out, whether it’s a civil servant or a citizen, I will not let it pass, even for 1ha or 2ha of encroaching on flooded forest land,” Chan Sophorn was quoted as saying on the provincial administration’s social media. 

“Once measured by the authorities, those involved will face termination of their positions and possibly imprisonment, without exception,” he added. 

He emphasised that neither the public nor the joint forces should consider themselves above the law.

“I must take action to preserve the flooded forests within our province, especially in Kroch Chhmar district,” he stated.

Chan Sophorn also mentioned that for land titles throughout the province, the provincial Department of Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction and Cadastral Affairs will issue deeds only for legally recognised land.

In neighbouring Kratie province, governor Va Thorn issued a March 7 letter urging an end to the practice. He said that despite previous instructions and efforts to prevent and suppress the illegal clearing and intrusion on the area, some individuals continue to violate the law.

“In order to conserve fishery resources and biodiversity in the flooded forest area in a stable and sustainable way for public benefit, and to prevent encroachment on state public land, we urge all stakeholders to immediately stop clearing and encroaching on the flooded forest,” he stated.

Thorn warned that individuals involved in such illegal activities will face legal consequences to the full extent of the law.

He also advised those who have occupied land in the past to refrain from further encroachments, particularly using bulldozers without permission from the provincial administration.

In Pursat province, governor Khoy Rida, following his inspection of some areas in Veal Veng district, instructed the provincial commission to persistently monitor and prevent intrusions.

“The nine provincial committees and sub-committees must act without exception against those encroaching on forest land and burning forests in Veal Veng and Phnom Kravanh districts,” he stated.

Khvay Atitya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, noted that it has implemented four measures to strengthen the management of natural resources, including enforcing the law by taking these types of crimes to court. 

He noted that provincial authorities have been actively implementing the measures and punishing perpetrators in unconditional accordance with existing legislation. 

“Therefore, I encourage local authorities at all levels to more actively enforce the law to manage our natural resources more sustainably and effectively, preventing encroachment for personal gain,” he said.

Atitya encouraged the planting of more trees to ensure growth, particularly emphasising reforestation as a priority. 

He said this is in line with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy to increase forest cover by 60 per cent by 2050 and improve the livelihoods of community members, including sustainable conservation of biodiversity.

At the end of January this year, Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the Tonle Sap Authority (TSA) and relevant institutions to continue implementing land registration and demarcation in the flooded forest area around Tonle Sap Lake accurately and sustainably, in an effort to preserve the protected area, fish populations and biodiversity for the common benefit and future generations.