Background
On 8 May 2023, the Ministry of Environment organized a press conference in Kampong Speu Province to present the objectives and progress of the Zero-Snare campaign ahead of the launch of Phase 2 in the province on 9 May 2023. The event was led by Net Pheaktra, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment and Chair of the Zero-Snare campaign, and followed the earlier implementation of Phase 2 activities in Pursat Province.
The Zero-Snare campaign aims to contribute to the protection and conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources, wildlife and biodiversity by reducing the use of snares in protected areas and changing public behavior related to the consumption of wild meat. The press conference was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kampong Speu Province, the head of the Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Environment, officials from the Ministry of Environment, representatives from partner organizations CI, WWF, WA, WEA and Nature Life, representatives of Vital purified water and MJeaty, as well as national and international media.
Scope of Application
The campaign is being implemented in phases across selected provinces. Phase 1 covered six provinces: Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Kampong Chhnang and Ratanakiri, and has been reported as successfully completed. Phase 2 targets six additional provinces: Pursat, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Battambang, Pailin and Siem Reap.
Within these provinces, the campaign focuses on protected natural areas where snares are commonly used, as well as on restaurants and members of the public who buy, sell or consume wild meat. The approach combines public awareness, voluntary pledges by businesses and citizens, and cooperation with partner organizations.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the press conference, the Ministry of Environment and its partners highlighted several key elements of the campaign:
- Continuation of the Zero-Snare campaign into Phase 2, extending activities from Pursat and Kampong Speu to four additional provinces: Koh Kong, Battambang, Pailin and Siem Reap.
- Emphasis on reducing the number of snares in natural protected areas as a primary conservation objective.
- Encouragement for people who consume wild meat to stop this practice and for more restaurants to publicly commit not to sell wild meat dishes.
- Reporting that, under Phase 1 in six provinces, a total of 52 restaurants declared that they would not sell wild meat, and that under Phase 2 in Pursat and Kampong Speu, 26 restaurants had already made similar declarations.
- Introduction of a QR code system created by the Ministry of Environment and campaign partners, allowing members of the public to scan and submit a personal pledge to stop consuming wild meat and to help raise awareness among other citizens.
The ministry reported that, within approximately three months of launching the QR code tool, a significant number of citizens had used it to register their pledges, although the exact figure was not fully stated in the provided text.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
While the Zero-Snare campaign is not a formal regulatory instrument, it has practical implications for businesses and the broader public in the targeted provinces:
- Restaurants are being encouraged to voluntarily declare that they will not sell dishes made from wild meat. Those that do so may be publicly associated with the campaign and its conservation goals.
- Businesses involved in food services, tourism and hospitality in or near protected areas may face increased public and governmental scrutiny regarding the sourcing of meat and wildlife products.
- Citizens and businesses are being invited to participate in behavior-change initiatives via the QR code pledge system, signaling growing policy attention to wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.
- The campaign reflects the Ministry of Environment’s ongoing efforts to work with subnational authorities, private sector actors and international organizations to protect natural resources, which may influence future policy directions or complementary regulatory measures.
Official Source
The information is based on an official announcement and description of activities published by the Ministry of Environment through its verified communication channel.
