Environment minister Eang Sophalleth addresses the appointment ceremony of the new head of the Mondulkiri environmental department on February 10. Environment ministry
Four heads of environmental departments – each in provinces which are notably rich in natural resources – were recently replaced. The officials who were appointed in their places have been advised to enhance their cooperation with relevant parties to improve the effectiveness of their work in the environmental sector.
The heads of the Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear and Kratie departments – which cover the more than 430,000 hectares of the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary – were all replaced, along with the leader of the Mondulkiri department, which oversees over one million hectares of conservation land.
Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atiya explained that changes of leadership are common, and strengthen the management of natural resources, as well as environmental protection, under the leadership of the Royal Government.
“We note that not only in the area around Prey Lang and in Mondulkiri, but in Preah Sihanouk, there is also new department director. There is a need for change, but not because we discovered mistakes or misconduct. The changes were also approved by the provincial authorities, to further enhance the quality of natural and environmental resource management,” he said.
He added that some former department heads have been transferred to other positions, such as becoming deputy provincial governors, and others have retired.
On Tuesday, February 18, Moeun Sopheth was announced as the new head of the Preah Vihear department, replacing Song Chan Socheat.
An announcement ceremony was held at the environment ministry headquarters. It was chaired by San Vanty, permanent ministry secretary of state, representing the Minister of Environment.
He advised the newly appointed department heads to continue improving cooperation with relevant parties, with the goal of achieving optimal collaboration in natural resource protection and to prevent environmental crimes.
Special attention was given to maintaining the green environment, which is a priority in Preah Vihear, which is rich in forest cover.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene, calling for collaboration with local authorities to ensure public spaces are free of waste – especially plastic – and to encourage good waste disposal habits among the public.
“The beauty of Preah Vihear will attract more domestic and international tourists," he said, adding that the department is also expected to work closely with the provincial administration and other stakeholders in implementing environmental regulations and strategies.
The day before, Vanty chaired the announcement of Aung Bunthoeun as the new head of the Kampong Thom department. He replaced Tob Kakkada.
On that occasion, he instructed the leadership and staff of the department to continue to work together on the shared goal of preserving the provincial environment, with a focus on good cooperation with the provincial administration and other stakeholders.
He also recommended that theystrengthen the implementation of the laws,regulations and guidelines set by the government, the environment ministry and the provincial administration.
Vanty explained that this will increase the effectiveness of the protection and conservation of natural resources and public education campaigns, ultimately improving the livelihoods of local communities.
On February 10, Kea Bou was appointed as the head of the Kratie department, replacing Chhay Duong Savuth.
The same day, Has Vibal was appointed to lead the Mondulkiri department, replacing Chhao Bunthoeun.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth chaired both appointments and expressed his confidence in the new department heads.
He urged them to continue their efforts with even greater determination to fulfil their responsibilities related to environmental and natural resource management.
“You should continue focusing on enforcing laws to prevent and combat illegal logging, illegal land grabs and other environmental crimes, ensuring proper management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation for sustainable development,” he told them.
He also announced that the ministry will provide additional drones to the Mondulkiri department to assist with wildlife patrols, as the department has limited manpower when compared to the vast size of the protected area it oversees.
Last September, the ministry provided four drones and other equipment to the province’s rangers, to improve their effectiveness in patrolling over one million hectares of protected land.
In collaboration with local and national-level authorities, activists from the Nature Lovers Youth Association recently discovered timber crimes in Kampong Thom and Mondulkiri provinces.
