Background
The Ministry of Environment deploys conservation rangers to monitor and enforce land-use rules inside national parks and other protected areas. Protected-area enforcement in Cambodia commonly combines patrol operations, evidence collection, and preparation of legal case files for prosecution under the country’s environmental and natural resource laws.
Between 23 and 28 August 2026, provincial conservation officers from Kampong Speu province working with local authorities conducted joint patrols within Preah Sor Amrit Kosom (Kirirom) National Park. The joint operation identified 12 cases of illegal land use covering approximately 5 hectares and resulted in administrative and legal actions consistent with the Ministry of Environment’s enforcement procedures.
Key Developments
Patrol teams registered a total of 12 illegal land-use cases within Kirirom National Park from 23– 28 August 2026, affecting about 5 hectares in aggregate. Authorities reported three separate cases involving clearing, burning, and illegal occupation of forest land that together exceeded 2 hectares.
Enforcement teams also uncovered one incident of trap-setting; they removed 15 traps and one wild animal as part of on-site interventions. Case files were prepared following the procedures of the Environment and Natural Resources Code for submission to the courts.
Institutional Role
Provincial conservation officers operate under the technical direction of the Ministry of Environment and coordinate with local administrations when executing field enforcement. The ministry implements national priorities on protected-area management through a combination of patrols, community engagement, and legal referral mechanisms.
Compliance Implications
Legal follow-up for identified violations includes dossier preparation and referral to judicial authorities under existing environmental statutes. The Ministry of Environment stated that its current enforcement approach aligns with three stated priorities: prevention and protection, restoration of order, and sustainable development as directed by government policy.
