Seven Provinces Targeted for Eco-Tourism Sustainability

Seven Provinces Targeted for Eco-Tourism Sustainability

The government has set up an inter-ministerial working group to pick seven provinces where work will be done on landscape sustainability projects to increase eco-tourism in Cambodia.

The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Rural Development are among those teaming up to improve infrastructure and sustainable development in Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom.

Areas to be included in the plan include the Oral Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Central and Southern Cardamom Mountain National Park, Tatai Wildlife, the Cardamom Mountain Biodiversity Conservation Corridor and the Tonle Sap Lake Multi-Purpose Area.

The project will include the installation of border posts, the construction of park ranger stations and the opening of three information centres. It aims to improve the livelihoods of locals and create demand for non-timber forest products.

The government is working on the project with a private company, Emerging 360.

Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment Sao Sopheap said that through the preparation, expansion and restoration of infrastructure, as well as sustainable tourism plans, the target provinces will attract more national and international tourists, which will help the industry and improve the incomes of local communities as well.

The project will run to 2025 with the support of the World Bank.