Rangers on patrol in the forests of Mondulkiri. Environment Ministry
The Ministry of Environment and conservation organisations called on the public to recognise and appreciate the environmental rangers who have dedicated their efforts to protect the ecosystem and natural resources for the common good.
The appeal was made on World Ranger Day on July 31, to honour the heroism of rangers in protecting the country’s natural resources and the environment, as well as to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for biodiversity conservation worldwide.
“Rangers have sacrificed and dared to sacrifice their lives in the protection of Cambodia's natural resources, environment and cultural heritage,” said environment minister Eang Sophalleth during a meeting with environmental officials and rangers of the Ratanakkiri provincial environment department on July 31.
The Kingdom has 73 protected areas covering more than seven million hectares, accounting for over 40 per cent of the country's land area. Currently, the ministry employs a total of 1,120 park rangers, including 38 women.
The minister also encouraged the public to join the rangers in protecting natural resources and ensuring a sustainable environment. He said the ministry has implemented strict measures to prevent natural resource crime by ending the practice of signing contracts to release perpetrators and promoting full enforcement of the law.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia stated that every year, on July 31, they celebrate the vital role that rangers play daily and commemorate those injured or killed in the line of duty. With support from WCS Cambodia and the ministry, 29 park rangers actively patrol and work within the 317,456-hectare Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, combating illegal logging and wildlife trade.
“We would like to express our appreciation to all rangers who work tirelessly both day and night to protect our valuable natural resources. Their dedication is essential in preserving biodiversity and ecological health,” WCS Cambodia stated on its social media.
Ben Davis, founder of the conservation and ecotourism project BeTreed Adventures at Phnom Tnaot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province, noted the difficulties rangers face, especially the danger posed by criminals with homemade rifles.
“The most difficult times are patrolling at night when it is raining. When it rains at night, many hunters go out because it is easier to shoot animals. The perpetrators have more rifles [than we do],” he said.
WWF-Cambodia highlighted that rangers are the unsung heroes working tirelessly to meet global biodiversity targets.
“Their sacrifices and achievements inspire us all to cherish and protect our planet,” the organisation stated.
