(Phnom Penh): In her open letter to the public, Angela, a foreign visitor and friend of Cambodia, expressed deep concern over reported illegal mining activities in a protected area in Ratanakiri Province, calling for stronger protection of Cambodia's natural heritage and urging competent authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents and take legal action against anyone found responsible.

Read full letter below:

Dear People of Cambodia,

As a foreigner who has had the privilege of visiting Cambodia, I have been deeply impressed by the country’s extraordinary natural beauty. Beyond its magnificent culture and warm people, what touched me most was Cambodia’s vast forests, mountains, rivers, wildlife and remarkably unspoiled natural environment.

Cambodia still possesses something increasingly rare in our world: rich natural resources and landscapes that have not been excessively exploited. I have travelled through and enjoyed some of these beautiful places, and I believe they are treasures not only for Cambodia but for humanity as a whole.

That is why I was deeply concerned to read recent reports about illegal mining activities in a protected area in Ratanakiri Province, allegedly organised by a small number of individuals. Even more disturbing were reports that, when environmental rangers intervened to stop the illegal activities, a ranger office was burnt.

If confirmed by the competent authorities, these are serious acts that should concern everyone who cares about Cambodia.

Cambodia’s environmental laws prohibit unauthorised exploitation of natural resources in protected areas. Likewise, the destruction or burning of public property is a serious matter under the law. Disagreement with law enforcement can never justify violence, intimidation, destruction of public property, or obstruction of government officials who are carrying out their lawful duties.

Illegal mining is not simply about taking minerals from the ground. It can destroy forests, contaminate water, damage wildlife habitats, degrade ecosystems and permanently change landscapes that took nature thousands of years to create.

When environmental destruction is accompanied by violence, intimidation or attacks on public property, the problem becomes even more serious. Such actions can provoke social unrest, weaken respect for the rule of law and undermine the dedicated work of government officials and rangers who are protecting resources that belong to the entire nation.

I therefore strongly condemn illegal mining in protected areas, the destruction of public property and any attempt to intimidate or obstruct environmental rangers and other officials performing their lawful duties.

At the same time, justice must follow evidence and due process. I respectfully encourage the competent authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly and transparently and, where evidence establishes responsibility, bring to justice those who organised, led, financed or committed these illegal acts.
 
The interests of a few individuals should never be allowed to outweigh the interests of an entire country.

Cambodia has received significant international recognition for its natural environment, sustainable management of land and natural resources, and its attractiveness as an ecotourism destination. These achievements should make every Cambodian proud, but they also carry an important responsibility: what the world admires today must be protected for tomorrow.

Cambodia’s forests, mountains, rivers, wildlife and other natural resources are a national inheritance. Properly protected, they can provide clean air, clean water, livelihoods, tourism opportunities and economic benefits for generations. Once destroyed for short-term profit, however, many of these treasures may never return.

It would be deeply unfortunate to see Cambodia’s precious and still largely unspoiled natural environment damaged by a few opportunists who may see only the immediate financial value of extracting resources, rather than the much greater and lasting value of preserving nature.
 
I therefore wish to express my appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia, environmental rangers, local authorities, communities and all those who work tirelessly to protect Cambodia’s environment and natural resources.

Their work benefits not only Cambodia but also contributes to the protection of our shared global environment.

The recent incident should also be treated as a warning. When serious illegal activities are allowed to continue without an appropriate legal response, they can encourage further violations and potentially develop into wider disorder.

The law should therefore be applied fairly, firmly and without discrimination, while respecting due process and the rights of everyone concerned.

As a foreign visitor, I do not claim Cambodia’s natural heritage as my own. But having experienced its beauty, I have come to appreciate how precious it is.

My sincere hope is that Cambodians will continue to stand together to protect this extraordinary inheritance, not only for themselves, but for their children, their grandchildren and generations yet unborn.

Natural resources may create short-term profit when they are exploited, but when they are wisely protected, they can create value for generations.

Please do not allow the interests of a few to destroy what belongs to millions.

Protect Cambodia’s nature. Preserve its beauty. Pass it on to the next generation.
=FRESH NEWS