Villagers opposed to new forest sanctuary

The Cambodian government has moved to protect a tract of land in Tbong Khmum province in a bid to preserve wildlife near the Vietnam border, but local villagers and the rights group Adhoc say the step will disenfranchise small-scale farmers.

In a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen last week, a forest spanning 199 hectares in Ponhea Krek district was designated as a protected area for conserving forest and wildlife.

But local leaders Kim Ly, chief of Krek commune, and Hem Yieb, chief of Trapaing Phlong commune, cast doubt on the sub-decree, stressing there was not thick forest or substantial wildlife in the now-protected area.

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