Excavations for the a new canal which will surround the Techo Sen Russey Treb Park are underway. More than 100m has been dug since the May 5 groundbreaking ceremony. Russey Treb Facebook
The Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Techo Sen Russey Treb Park in Preah Vihear province is attempting to raise over half a million dollars in donations to build a 52km canal which will protect and conserve natural resources, as well as the ancient structures in the park.
The project will be six metres wide and 2.5 meters deep. It will encircle the boundary of the park, preserving the forest, protecting wildlife and storing water for use in the dry season, as well as creating an ecotourism attraction which will generate additional income for local residents, said the academy’s president Sok Touch, at the May 5 groundbreaking ceremony of the canal’s construction.
“[We want to] create a historical precedent for the next generation to love our forests, wildlife and other natural resources,” he explained.
Rangers admire some of the established trees in the park, while also investigating illegal logging activities. Russey Treb Facebook
“If any individuals come to log here, history will judge them, because the canal will be supported by the people, whether they donate 1 dollar or just one or two thousand riel,” he added.
Touch hoped that the public would take part in fundraising to build the canal, so that the over 10,000 hectares of park in Chheb distrct could be safeguarded.
Academy secretary-general Yang Peou told the Post on May 7 that they had received over $70,000 in contributions so far, but more than $100,000 in total has been promised by generous philanthropists.
“We welcome any amount, as this is part of the national spirit of environment protection. People can make contributions through a QR Code,” said Peou.
“The Techo Sen Russey Treb Park is an important site, rich in Khmer ancient civilisation. The remains of many ancient kilns used to smelt iron ore were discovered here. In addition, it is home to national resources like the forest and wildlife,” he added.
He noted that the excavations were experiencing some difficulties, due to a large number of heavy stones that were discovered underground.
Despite this, over 100 metres of the canal has been dug in the past few days, according a post on the park’s social media.
“Even a small donation made by each of our brothers and sisters provides strong encouragement for the preservation of wildlife and the forest of the park for the next generations,” read the post.
