Siem Reap environmental rangers are embracing modern technology, using drones to patrol greater areas of protected land. - Environment ministry
PHNOM PENH: Nearly 800 hectares of forest land that had been encroached upon and planted with various crops in protected areas of Siem Reap province were identified in 2024 and 2025, thanks to the use of modern technology and information systems.
The Ministry of Environment explained how park rangers in natural protected areas are using satellite imagery systems and advanced drones to monitor and prevent natural resource crimes.
In Siem Reap province, this technology enabled rangers to inspect 77 specific locations. Among them, 32 locations were found to be encroached forest areas, totalling 459.64 hectares. In addition, 28 areas totalling 331.65 hectares were used for illegal crop cultivation.
“The use of information systems and modern equipment strengthens the management of natural protected areas. Park rangers are using satellite image technology and drones to effectively monitor, prevent and suppress natural resource crimes,” said the ministry.
Rangers, in cooperation with military forces in the Siem Reap operational zone and members of local protected area communities, conducted field inspections at 67 locations in the Phnom Tnaot–Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary. Of these, 40 locations showed signs of encroachment, covering more than 428 hectares.
They have apprehended several illegal loggers thanks to the new technology. Environment ministry
Rangers have forwarded 15 cases of natural resource crimes to the Siem Reap Provincial Court, including 2 cases involve crimes they witnessed, with 6 suspects and other related 13 cases involving 7 suspects.
The Siem Reap Department of Environment manages 8 protected areas, totalling 283,999.27 hectares. Management of these areas is supported through cooperation with local military forces, district-level unified command committees and protected area community committees.
According to the “Core Strategy – Pillar 2, Priority 1”, building digital infrastructure and equipping modern facilities, tools and materials for administrative work is stated as a crucial part of the Circular strategy on Environment.
This aligns with the government’s environmental policies and action plans, which emphasises the use of advanced technology to monitor, analyse and respond swiftly to environmental issues. These include satellite data collection, drone deployment for verification and targeted enforcement in priority areas.
In 2024 and 2025, the ministry provided satellite-based maps of protected areas to sub-national administrations and local authorities for joint management efforts. Additionally, it distributed 47 drones to each of the kingdom’s provincial environment departments. Departments with protected areas have also received support from NGOs and development partners, including more equipment and drones. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
