Kratie (FN), Jan. 2 – Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen advised the provincial governors of Stung Treng and Kratie to pay high attention to the conservation of Irrawaddy dolphins without solely depending on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and recommended the establishment of a permanent core area to conserve the Irrawaddy dolphins.

The premier spoke at the groundbreaking for the construction of Kratie bridge across Mekong River, held on Monday (Jan 2) in Kratie province.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen's recommendation follows reports of an endangered species of dolphin due to fishing nets and some illegal fishing activities in the Mekong River dolphin area.

"I would like to remind the governors of Kratie and Stung Treng provinces regarding Irrawaddy dolphins' conservation areas. You have to be responsible in this case and not solely depend on the Ministry of Agriculture. A few weeks ago, a dolphin was killed by the fish nets," the premier underscored.

"This area shall be a fully protected area. The Mekong River is home to Irrawaddy dolphins and some endangered fish. We must have a permanent core area in the river for conservation project," the premier continued.

Premier Hun Sen said that the preservation and conservation of dolphin species will allow people in those areas to benefit greatly from tourism revenue. If fishermen are allowed to fish in the dolphin area, only a few fishermen will benefit, but it will destroy and damage the dolphin conservation area.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has declared an emergency on the death of Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia. In 2022, at least 11 dolphins died. In the last three years, 29 dolphins died.
=FRESH NEWS