Environment minister Eang Sophalleth (left) oversees a ceremony which saw drones issued to each of the Kingdom’s capital-provincial environmental departments on September 27. Environment ministry
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has overseen the distribution of drones to all 25 capital-provincial environment departments across the country. The high-tech tools will be used to support rangers as they monitor and protect the Kingdom’s more than seven million hectares of forested areas.
Ministry undersecretary of state and spokesperson Khay Atitya told The Post on Friday, September 27, that this was the first phase of drone distribution.
“All 25 environment departments, including Phnom Penh, received one drone. In the coming years, we aim to provide at least three drones per department,” he said.
“Using drones significantly enhances the efficiency and coverage of patrols over vast areas, allowing us to detect violations that are otherwise difficult to see during on-foot patrols,” he explained.
He noted that the patrol teams require these drones for effective surveillance, and added that in the event of any illegal activities, they can take prompt action.
Atitya emphasised that in addition to providing drones, the ministry conducts strict law enforcement activities, offering maps of protected areas to local authorities and collaborating with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the National Military Police and the National Police to conduct patrols and crackdowns on illegal activities.
Phuong Lina, head of the Oddar Meanchey provincial environment department, said that this was the first drone to be supplied to the department. Following its handover, 17 environmental officers will be trained in its usage.
“Patrolling with drones, which use advanced technology, provides significant assistance. Our officers cannot cover all areas on foot, especially during the rainy season. The leadership’s provision of drones greatly facilitates the monitoring of protected areas,” he added.
Currently, the 17 officers are responsible for protecting over 200,000 hectares of forest. He highlighted that more drones would simplify protection efforts and increase work efficiency.
Ministry secretary of state Chuop Paris addressed a ceremony in Mondulkiri province last weekend that saw four drones and other equipment presented to rangers.
He noted that the ministry has around 1,200 rangers, but they are responsible for overseeing seven million hectares of forest nationwide, which means each ranger must cover over 5,000 hectares.
“According to international standards, one person should protect 500 to 1,000 hectares at most, but we are each responsible for nearly 6,000 hectares. Although we face challenges, we manage to do it, with the participation of the community,” he said.
He added that community participation in patrols is beneficial to both the community and natural resources, and results in appropriate returns through eco-tourism, REDD+ projects and other initiatives.
