Environment minister Eang Sophalleth and Royal Academy of Cambodia president Sok Touch inked an MoU on the protection of natural resources at the Techo Sen RusseyTreb Park Park on February 7. Environment ministry
The Ministry of Environment and the Royal Academy of Cambodia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on the preservation of the Techo Sen RusseyTreb Park in Preah Vihear province.
The agreement was signed by environment minister Eang Sophalleth and academy president Sok Touch on February 7.
Under the partnership, both parties agreed to collaborate on the enforcement of environmental laws, as well as raise awareness about environmental and natural resource laws among relevant officials and the local population.
Special emphasis was placed on preventing destructive activities such as illegal logging and other forms of resource destruction in the sanctuary.
The MoU also highlighted three key enforcement measures.
These include the full enforcement of 100 per cent of environmental laws, particularly the Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Law, and the cessation of illegal activities that undermine these resources.
Another measure involves collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and local administrative authorities.
The final point involves providing mapping and technological tools to determine protected areas and methods for action in critical situations.
Touch shared his belief that the MoU went beyond what was written on the paper, but represented a deeper understanding and commitment to enforcing the law within the context of RAC's role in protecting the country's natural resources.
“This collaboration is not only about protecting the environment today but also about preserving natural resources for future generations by transforming the mindset of the community from logging and hunting to the protection of natural resources,” he said.
The environment ministry noted that the agreement also aims to assist in the preparation of RAC's conservation areas to become carbon-neutral zones in the near future.
Additionally, it contributes to the country's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with government strategy.
The minister expressed his appreciation for the academy’s contributions to the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028, which will aims to steer the Kingdom to carbon neutrality.
He called the joint effort a significant step toward addressing global climate change challenges.
“Today's signing of this MoU is a practical demonstration of our collective strength, turning theoretical commitments into actionable steps that align with our environmental goals,” he said.
“This will transform from promotional efforts and commitments into tangible actions that become part of our daily routine – ensuring cleanliness, sustainability and permanence,” he added.
Sophalleth also proposed that a joint working group be established and tasked with monitoring the initial steps and determining further actions to protect the area, ensuring its long-term sustainability and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
The Techo Sen RusseyTreb Park covers an area of 11,435 hectares, and is located in Chheb commune’s Chheb district.
Despite the best efforts of the authorities, the park continues to face challenges such as illegal logging, wildlife poaching, land grabbing, deforestation and forest fires in dry season.
