PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Environment has called for an immediate end to social media posts featuring wildlife and rare plants, whether for sale or to attract attention.
Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya described how some individuals use social media to trade in protected wildlife, while others use rare animals to draw more viewers and generate “clicks”.
“Promoting love for wildlife does not mean keeping wild animals in cages,” he said.
“Eating wildlife meat provides no benefit and can pose serious health risks to consumers,” he added.
The ministry noted that while Cambodia does not have a separate law specifically regulating the online wildlife trade, the advertising, selling, ordering or transportation of wildlife, wildlife specimens or eggs by any means is considered an offence, and can be punished under existing laws.
Under the Environmental and Natural Resources Code, Articles 380(11) and 141 prohibit wildlife trafficking, while Article 851(a) provides penalties for a Class 3 natural-resource offence, including five to 10 years in prison, as well as additional fines.
Atitya called on all relevant authorities to pursue strict legal action against all natural-resource offences, stressing that online transactions are illegal in the same way as all others.
The ministry also appealed for cooperation from all sectors, particularly journalists, social media content creators, artists, monks and online influencers, to join public awareness campaigns and help educate citizens about the value of forests, wildlife and biodiversity. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
