Prey Lang community members and environment ministry officials taking part in a recent Bonn Prey Lang ceremony in the Prey Lang sanctuary. - Environment ministry
PHNOM PENH: The Prey Lang Community Network (PLCN) – which spans four provinces – is currently celebrating Forest Day (Bonn Prey Lang) on Valentine's Day to honour the value of trees, ordain special trees and call for stronger participation in forest conservation, as well as the protection of natural resources in Cambodia.
Hoeun Sopheap, a member of the PLCN from Kampong Thom province, explained that the community members from Kampong Thom, Kratie, Stung Treng, and Preah Vihear provinces are holding the two-day religious event this Friday and Saturday, Feb 14 and 15, at the Chheu Teal Pres Community Forest in Stung Treng province’s Rumdeng village, in Thala Barivat district’s ChamkarLeu commune.
“Around 200 to 300 community members are gathering to celebrate Bonn Prey Lang, and there will be tree ordaining ceremonies for some 100 large first-grade trees,” he said.
Indigenous Kuoy ethnic group prosperity rituals will be performed. The tree ordaining ceremony will be held on the final day.
The members of the network all live and depend on the forest, with the beliefs, culture and traditions of the indigenous Kuoy people. The community members all expressed their immense love for natural resources and biodiversity.
A PLCN announcement explained the purpose of the celebrations.
The day serves as an opportunity to offer tribute and remind the public of the importance of trees and pray for the longevity of the forest. It ensures the preservation of the identity of the indigenous Kuoy people who live in close connection with the forest.
Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among both the community members and the general public about the government’s decision to establish the forest as a protected area and wildlife sanctuary.
This event also serves to highlight the potential of forests to the general public and encourage joint efforts with the network, as well as the government, in the preservation of natural resources.
The Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in May 2016. It covers more than 430,000 hectares across Kratie, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear and Stung Treng provinces. Regrettably, despite the best efforts of PLCN members, Ministry of Environment officials and various forces, deforestation crimes continue to occur within the protected area. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
