Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 10 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology to collaborate with relevant ministries, institutions, and local authorities to prevent deforestation in the Tonle Sap Lake area.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei also urged for the completion of the update of maps delineating Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3 of the Tonle Sap region, along with the installation of border posts to deter encroachments on land surrounding reservoirs, flooded forests, and areas prone to soil and rock erosion into rivers, streams, and lakes nationwide.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Apr. 10) during the closing of 2023 annual meeting of Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

Samdech Thipadei underscored that, "Since 30 January 2024, following the closing of annual meeting of Ministry of Agriculture, within a span of only 72 days, the joint working group has been diligently verifying relevant data regarding the Tonle Sap Lake area and completing the map update to clearly define Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3. Border posts have been established, and I have approved a budget of USD 4 million to begin this process. We are now gradually initiating the installation of these posts and working collaboratively to register the Tonle Sap area promptly."

The premier added that concurrently, measures have been taken by the Ministry, professional institutions, and provincial authorities surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake to prevent further encroachments, which recently led to the arrests of some officials and merchants in Kampong Chhnang province.

Prime Minister Hun Manet called upon the people and all stakeholders to join efforts in preserving the Tonle Sap Lake for the collective benefit of millions of citizens across the country. He underlined the necessity of continuing the work of protecting the Tonle Sap Lake conservation areas without hesitation.

At the same time, Samdech Thipdei also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to officials from ministries, institutions, local authorities, and the armed forces for their contributions to the conservation efforts of the Tonle Sap Lake, which have yielded positive results.
=FRESH NEWS